“Organizing tournaments during this period could not only attract players from various backgrounds, but also contribute to the influence of tennis in the region,” the letter states.
“We firmly believe that these events would be beneficial for everyone, by providing players with additional competitive opportunities and promoting the engagement of young talents… It could also boost the local economy and promote sports tourism.”
Hand signed by more than 60 players, the letter included signatures ranging from rising juniors to Challenger veterans representing countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, Turkey, Japan and more.
Neither the ITF nor Haggerty have responded to Jabeur and the group, and no statement has been issued by the Tunisian Tennis Federation regarding the event cancellations. It’s unclear which party canceled the events.
Ahmad Nassar, executive of the Professional Tennis Players Association, posted in support of Jabeur and the players. “Tennis players at all levels have been subject to the unexplained & inexplicable whims of unaccountable power brokers in tennis for too long,” he wrote on X. “That’s why player leaders created (the PTPA) and that’s why we advocate for ALL players to get their opportunities and their fair share.”
