Tennis Canada has announced that the Davis Cup World Group I match between Canada and Israel scheduled for this weekend in Halifax will take place in a closed venue due to safety concerns. The decision was made in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation following heightened safety alerts from local authorities and national security agencies. The move comes after over 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, advocated for the cancellation of the match in protest of Israel’s activities in Gaza and the West Bank.
Despite expressing disappointment, Tennis Canada’s CEO, Gavin Ziv, emphasized that the safety of players, spectators, and staff is of paramount importance. Originally planned to be held at Scotiabank Centre, the match will now be held on Friday and Saturday behind closed doors. Ticket holders will be refunded in full. The winning team will progress to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers.