The upcoming Davis Cup World Group I clash between Canada and Israel will take place without spectators in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after organizers cited heightened safety risks surrounding the event. Tennis Canada, in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), announced that the decision followed intelligence assessments from local authorities and national security agencies, which pointed to the potential for major disruptions.
The tie, scheduled for September 12–13, comes at a tense moment internationally, with pressure mounting on Tennis Canada to cancel the encounter. More than 400 academics, athletes, writers, and activists had issued an open letter urging the governing body to withdraw Israel from the competition, citing the country’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Organizers, however, opted to move forward, prioritizing security measures while preserving the integrity of the tournament.
“We were forced to conclude that playing behind closed doors was the only way to both safeguard those involved and preserve the event itself,” said Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv in a statement. He acknowledged that fans would be disappointed but stressed the importance of protecting players, officials, and the public. Ticket holders will receive refunds, while Ziv expressed optimism that Halifax could host Canada’s Davis Cup team again in the future under more favorable circumstances.
Despite the restrictions, the match remains crucial in the broader Davis Cup calendar. Canada and Israel will contest a best-of-five series over two days, beginning with singles matches on the opening day, followed by doubles and reverse singles on day two. The winner will progress to the 2026 Qualifiers first round, keeping their hopes alive for a shot at the prestigious Davis Cup title.
The Davis Cup, often regarded as the “World Cup of men’s tennis,” has faced increasing challenges in balancing sport and politics. While the closed-door decision is unprecedented for a Canadian-hosted tie, organizers emphasized that it underscores the evolving landscape of global security concerns intersecting with major international sporting events.
