Tel Aviv - The ATP tour says the inaugural Israel Open in Tel Aviv has been cancelled because of security concerns “arising from the military conflict in the region.”
The tournament was set to be held September 15-21 and would have been the first ATP tournament held in Israel since 1996.
But amid Israel's military campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, ATP President Chris Kermode said “we do not feel we can proceed as planned given the situation in the region.”
He said “ensuring the security of our players, fans and all those involved in organising a world-class event, is our No. 1 priority.”
He added that he hopes the tournament will be held next year and that “we hope for a swift return to peace in the region.”
Sapa-AP