Finally, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour acted out against the injustice in Thanks to the courage of Shahar, and all those individuals and organizations - including her fellow players - that supported her, the UAE has changed their policy and another barrier of discrimination has fallen”.
The following actions were taken to somehow appease the seemingly unappeasable situation. The tour awarded Shahar 130 ranking points, points she would have lost since she was unable to defend them from last year. She was also given US$44,250 which is the average amount she earns per tournament in singles and doubles to compensate her loss. Her doubles partner, Anna-Lena Groenfeld was also awarded US$7,950 in prize money for being unable to compete with Peer.
The tournament itself was fined the US$300,000, for breach of rules and conditions of membership. The tournament also had to promise a US$2 million guarantee that to remain on the calendar for next year they have to:
1) accept all players qualifies for the tournament regardless of nationality or any other reasons and issue them visas 2) allow any Israeli player to enter the UAE 8 weeks prior to competition 3) guarantee Shahar a wild card into the tournament next year if her ranking doesn’t get her in. All of these things are a little too late! This shouldn’t have happened in the first place!!
It is especially hurtful because Shahar is such a talented player who does charity work in other countries. Silence supports evil and more players should have spoken up against this discrimination. Tennis Racquets for Kids,feels strongly that we must set an example for our children.
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