The UAE's No 1 tennis player Omar Behroozian could see hopes of playing for his country being resurrected, thanks to the generosity of officials from the Al Wasl club who have shown a change of heart.
Behroozian, who is facing a lengthy ban from the game due to alleged indisciplined behaviour with Al Wasl officials, will be ready to represent the UAE once again as it prepares to embark on a Davis Cup and GCC tournament campaign with the ban being lifted partially.
Speaking to Gulf News, Omar Abbas, the supervisor of the Al Wasl tennis team, confirmed, "The club [Al Wasl] has sent a letter to Tennis Emirates [TE], the official governing body of tennis in the UAE, informing them that they have no objection to Omar Behroozian being chosen to represent the country on national duty.
"The way we see it," said Abbas, "is that the national team needs him. "We are therefore providing a clearance for his participation only for the benefit of the UAE team. The club has always had Behroozian's interests at heart. The national team needs him." While Behroozian will be thankful for his club's gesture, he has yet to present a solid case for himself as far as his participation in local tournaments is concerned. Behroozian, however, could not be contacted for his comments.
It is believed that the ban imposed on him from playing in these events is going to stay at least for a while.
The officials, however, are likely to monitor his attitude before allowing him to make a complete return. Since the ban was imposed on him in April, Behroozian has not played in any local competitions, barring an exhibition game against former French tennis pro Cedric Pioline.
Gulf News
