February 23, 2010

TA to appeal if ban handed

Tennis Australia has said it would appeal against any such sanction by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
TA are faced with a year-long suspension from Davis Cup for forfeiting next month's tie against India.

Australia yesterday forfeited the tie saying it was not convinced about the security in Chennai, which was scheduled to host the tie from May 8 to 10.

The forfeiture, prompted by TA's security concerns on playing in India in the middle of general elections, took the hosts to the World Group playoffs.

The 28-times Davis Cup champions Australia, on the other hand, face a one-year suspension from the prestigious tournament and a fine of USD 25,000.

TA chief Geoff Pollard said TA would not take any punishment lying down when it is handed out at the ITF meetings during the French Open or at Wimbledon in June-July.

"They've got the power to do all sorts of things, but anything they do would be subject to the rights of appeal," Pollard was quoted as saying by 'Australian Associated Press'.

The ITF issued a statement yesterday saying it "regrets and respectfully disagrees" with the TA's decision.

"India is declared the winner and will advance to the Davis Cup World Group playoffs, scheduled for 18-20 September. The ITF, as it does for every Davis Cup and Fed Cup tie, asked the host nation to produce a comprehensive security plan for the tie," the ITF statement read.

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