The Int'l Tennis Federation announced that this weekend's Davis Cup final between Belgium and Great Britain "will go ahead as planned," according to the London GUARDIAN. A statement from the governing body on Monday confirmed that "the tie, scheduled to begin on Friday in Ghent, will take place." The statement said, "The ITF and Royal Belgian Tennis Federation, in consultation with the relevant officials and our risk assessment and security advisers, are closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and specifically in Ghent. As of today there are no changes to the previously published start times for the Davis Cup Final between Belgium and Great Britain. We are taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of the teams, the spectators, the media and all working staff" (GUARDIAN, 11/23).
SECURITY MEASURES: A number of specific, additional security measures have been put in place for this weekend's tie:
- 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 (Davis Cup).
