Shahar Peer, who became the first Israeli female athlete to compete in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) two years ago, is making another piece of diplomatic history at the Dubai Open tennis here this week. Peer was originally refused a UAE visa, amidst prolonged controversy back in 2009.
In stark cotrast, this year she has been invited to compete in the same tournament – almost certainly the first Israeli athlete to have been granted such a privilege.
It all comes as a reward for her courage, persistence and remarkable on-court success in Dubai over the last two years at a time of ongoing problems in Arab-Israeli relations. Her presence in Dubai has not only influenced the cultural and political climate, it has also boosted hopes here that Dubai could possibly host the Olympics in 2024. There was a political tremor when, after much wrangling and fiercely strict security arrangements, Peer was eventually allowed to enter the Dubai Open in 2010. It led to some of the finest tennis of her career, bringing sensational wins over Caroline Wozniacki and Li Na, and a run to the semi-final halted only by an in-form Venus Williams.
Last year Peer again found that the special ambience of her visit helped her raise her game, taking her to the quarter-finals before this time losing to Wozniacki.
“It’s an amazing gesture (to be invited),” Peer said after winning her opening match this year against Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman. “It’s not something that you just think it’s going to come naturally. “So it’s an overcome [sic] for them and I really appreciate it,” she added, apparently meaning that there were obstacles to overcome before the decision could be made. Amongst them are the organisation of her living, changing and dining facilities separate from other players, a designated and protected outside court for all Peer’s matches, bodyguards, and, in the past at least, snipers hidden in strategic locations. “I really appreciate them coming forward and giving this to me,” Peer added. “I think we’re doing amazing things here in the last few years, so I think it’s very good for everybody.”
Asked whether her high profile appearances here have had a big impact back home, Peer said: “Actually they talk all the time – it doesn’t matter whether I’m here or not.” “Obviously it’s also a big thing for us as Israelis, what I’ve been doing here the last few years, so they really support and appreciate it. “I think 2010 was one of the top two or three tournaments ever for me. I also played really well at the Australian Open when I got to the quarters.
“But I played some of my best tennis here. I’ve beaten two top 10 players and two other top 20 players so it has been an amazing week for me.” On Wednesday though Peer may find it hard to get beyond the second round. Although she won her opening match soundly, she next faces an exceptionally tough opponent in the shape of fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska. The talented Pole came from 3-5 down in the final set to beat Amanda Wozniak of Canada 6-1, 6-7(6),7-5 and reach the second round.
