Agence France Presse
Ghent, (Belgium), Nov 25: Andy Murray said here Tuesday that he had no qualms about playing the Davis Cup final in Belgium despite the security alert, but added that he would understand if any British fans decided to cancel their trips.
The World No 2, and the rest of the British team, arrived here, 55 kilometres from Brussels, Monday, a day later than planned after the Belgium capital was put on maximum security alert in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Paris that killed 130 people.
The lockdown was still in place Tuesday as the hunt for suspected terrorists continued, but Murray said the feeling was very different in Ghent. “It was obviously a bit concerning a few days ago,” he said. “I think once we got here and got into the hotel, came to the venue and saw what it was like here, I think that made everyone a lot more comfortable. Obviously it’s a different situation in Brussels than it is here.
“I hope as many fans can travel over as possible to give us the best support. Obviously will understand if people make another decision because of what’s been happening in Brussels,” Murray added.
Security has been tightened at the 13,000 capacity Flanders Expo which will host the final from Friday to Sunday including a ban on bags and backpacks, as well as any food and drink, inside the arena. Sniffer dogs will also be used at the stadium to search for any explosives.
Belgian team captain Johan Van Herck said that his team was fully satisfied with the precautions and ready to play in the country’s first Davis Cup final in 111 years.
“I think as a team we have a lot of confidence in the organisation,” said Herck.
“I know when they had to put the work in for the security, there’s no reason and we have no doubts that we will be safe here. And even though security is the prime concern, we will try to focus on the sporting side.”
Britain are aiming for their 10th Davis Cup victory, but first since 1936, while Belgium have never won the trophy and only reached the final in 1904 where they lost incidentally to Britain 0-5.
