Henman to miss Davis Cup over terror fears
TIM HENMAN has cancelled plans to go to Belgium this week and watch the Davis Cup Final, but the Great Britain team are due to travel this morning after delaying their departure for 24 hours. Henman has decided to stay at home due to security fears over the match taking place in Ghent. It is 40 miles away from Brussels, which has been in near lockdown over the weekend. Henman, married with three daughters, said last night: ‘I was going to go but I am not going any more. I was going to take the three girls, I was going to go with my family. But I just thought, “Is it really worth the hassle for them?” So we are going to watch at home.’ The British team were due to leave yesterday, but decided instead to take what is believed to be a private plane this morning in preference to the Eurostar, which goes through the capital. It was announced last night that
the terror alert in Brussels is to remain at level four, the highest mark, but in Ghent it is rated as a three. The former British No 1 is unlikely to be the only supporter declining to make the journey, even though the match is set to go ahead. Henman said the team would need to block out security issues. ‘That’s the way you have to do it,’ he said. ‘There is a certain amount of uncertainty with what’s going on in Belgium with the shutdown over there. Only time will tell. ‘But fingers crossed it will continue as normal. Because if it doesn’t, it’s a very difficult scenario.’ The British squad of five players led by Andy Murray, plus support staff, assembled at London’s Queen’s Club yesterday to practise on shale inside an inflated bubble. They are expected to test out the court in Ghent this afternoon. Judy Murray, mother of Britain’s two key players, struck a defiant note when she told Belgium’s La
Derniere Heure newspaper: ‘We have been following what has been going on and we have discussed it. Molenbeek isn’t far from Ghent but that shouldn’t stop us. ‘We trust the security that’s organised. ‘Everyone will be vigilant and we hope the event will be a great success.’ Mary Pope, chair of the British Association of Tennis Supporters, said last night that their particular travel group of up to 150, was still intending to go. ‘I’ve only heard from one person who is definitely not going,’ she said. ‘People are definitely concerned but we haven’t cancelled our plans at this stage and are hoping to go. ‘I think everyone is keeping an eye on the situation and there is some concern about travelling through Brussels. It’s a case of wait and see, but we hope it goes ahead.’ Britain have a security team provided by a private company which is thought to include former members of the SAS. Brussels will keep its underground system, schools and universities closed today, with prime minister Charles Michel last night warning that there was still a ‘serious and imminent’ threat of attacks, possibly at multiple locations.