As Brussels entered its third day of lockdown on Monday while police continued the hunt for “several terrorists” across the country, the Great Britain team arrived in Ghent, 35 miles from the capital, for this weekend’s Davis Cup final against Belgium, under the discreet care of an unprecedented security shield.
The 115-year-old competition has never had to deal with a situation like this, although Britain’s cup tie away against Ecuador in 2001 immediately after the 9/11 attack in New York required careful handling.
Nevertheless, whatever the noises emanating from the squad, the Lawn Tennis Association, who are responsible for the safety of the players, and the International Tennis Federation, who are in charge of the event along with the Royal Belgian Tennis Federation, anxiety hangs in the air.
The danger and difficulties in travelling to Ghent, which remains on a level three security alert, one below the maximum in Brussels, were sufficient for the former British No1, Tim Henman, who played in that Ecuador tie, to cancel plans to travel to the final with his wife and three children.
“You have got to be seeking some advice from the outside,” Henman said. “You can’t just make a black and white, yes or no decision like that. You’ve got to understand all the different issues, the security that is going to be in place for the team, for the whole tie, for the spectators. I am sure that will be provided. You do want to continue as much as possible.”
The thousands of British fans who will make the trip will welcome the assurances the organisers gave on Monday. The ITF and the RBTF, after consulting Belgian security forces and their own risk assessment advisers, said they were “closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and specifically in Ghent”.
A statement issued through the ITF added: “We are taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of the teams, the spectators, the media and all working staff. This is a sold-out event. There will not be any tickets on sale at the venue and anyone without a ticket will not be allowed access to the venue area.
“Additional security measures will be in place at all entrances to the venue and will apply to all ticket holders, staff members and visitors. Entry into the event will take longer than usual. The gates will open two hours in advance of each day’s start time.
“Bags and backpacks will not be permitted in the Flanders Expo. Ticket holders will be asked to check any bags into available off-site storage facilities. No food or drink will be allowed into the arena. A full selection of refreshments will be available in venue.”
Henman, who played in 54 matches for his country, agreed the world No2 Andy Murray, on whose shoulders British success depends so heavily, was not on top form when losing to Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, which finished on Sunday.
“Almost inevitably he’s been distracted by Davis Cup around the corner,” Henman said. “He didn’t play his best. These are such unique circumstances, being in the Davis Cup Final, that they will focus his mind. I think his performance you would describe as distracted but his game is in great shape. I don’t think he is going to have any problems.”
