The Davis Cup final appears likely to go ahead as planned after Great Britain’s team flew to Belgium on Monday morning.
The five-man squad, led by Andy Murray and the team captain, Leon Smith, are understood to have left the UK early on Monday morning having delayed their intended departure for Ghent on Sunday due to security fears.
Belgian officials said they arrested at least 16 suspects in 19 raids late on Sunday night that were aimed at closing down a terrorist network which authorities believe is planning an attack similar to the one in Paris 10 days ago.
@DavisCup team GB landen safe and sound and look sharp! Watch out @DavidGOfficial ! pic.twitter.com/LCECiscb4C
— Flanders Airport (@FIAHandling) November 23, 2015
Great Britain’s players practised on the clay courts at Queen’s club on Sunday and hope to arrive in Ghent in time to practise on the match court at the Flanders Expo. The city, which is around 35 miles from Brussels, is rated a level three security threat, one below the capital, but Britain’s players are said to be “feeling calm” about the situation.
The official Twitter account of Flanders Airport in Wevelgem later confirmed their arrival with the message, “team GB landen safe and sound and look sharp!”
The Lawn Tennis Association, responsible for the safety of the British players, and the International Tennis Federation, the organisers of the tournament, are monitoring the situation “by the hour” in consultation with government and security forces.
The former British No1 and Davis Cup stalwart Tim Henman said he did not expect the players to be adversely affected but admitted he has cancelled plans to attend the final.
