Doubts about Hingis, Sania cleared by DDF
By Edwin Ashie-Nikoi

24 February 2007


DUBAI — Martina Hingis’ complaint of the schedule of the DDF Women’s Open has no basis, Salah Tahlak, tournament director of the championship, said during an interview with the Khaleej Times yesterday.

The former world numuber one said during a post match media conference after her quarterfinal match against Jelena Jankovic on Thursday that it was difficult to play a match every day during the championship.

“She should not have complained” Tahlak said. “If she had any objection, she should have told us. Once you lose, you always blame it on something or someone,” he said.

Salah explained that the Dubai Tennis Championship is a world-class tournament which is committed to provide the best possible experience. He said many factors were taken into consideration to ensure that the schedule worked in the best interest of the players, spectators and live television.

The tournament director said he knew Hingis finished her match against Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain at around 1.30am on Thursday morning. “But she had twelve hours to recover for her quarterfinal match against Jelena Jankovic. The schedule is done under the supervision of the WTA and we try to be fair to everyone involved,” he said.

He explained that some of the players were also in the doubles event and the schedule is drawn taking into consideration of many factors. “The schedule is done from the point of view also of television coverage and worldwide audience. This is a very important aspect of the championship,” he said.

For this reason, Tahlak says he does not think Hingis’ complaint was genuine. Asked if the organisers might think of changing the timing or adding some days to the championship, Tahlak replied no. “We cannot add more days to the tournament as it would affect the players’ schedule. We will also keep the same timing at 2pm and 7pm,” he said.

On the question of why Sania Mirza did not come this year, he said the 21-year-old Indian said the invitation came too late and she had other commitments. He denied that her non-participation had to do with appearance money. “It is not because of appearance money. We at first thought we had the field already full. And also because all tickets had already been sold out and bringing her would create problems.” But Tahlak promised that she would be contacted in time next year.