Australia escapes Davis Cup ban for refusing to go to India because of security concerns

Australia escapes Davis Cup ban over India dispute

LONDON — Australia won’t be suspended from the Davis Cup for refusing to play in India because of security concerns.

The International Tennis Federation board Thursday declined to impose tougher sanctions on Australia after India appealed a previous ruling by the governing body’s Davis Cup committee. The board also reversed the committee’s May decision that ordered Australia to lose hosting rights for its next home match.

The board, which met Wednesday in Madrid, upheld a $10,000 fine and additional legal costs imposed on the Australian federation. It confirmed that Chennai had been a safe venue choice for the May 8-10 Asia/Oceania group match.

Australia forfeited the series, refusing to make the trip because of recent violence in the region. Gunmen attacked the team bus of the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan, in March. Last November, 164 people were killed in terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

India advanced to a Davis Cup world group playoff against South Africa on Sept. 18-20 in Johannesburg. Australia has 28 Davis Cup titles, second only to the 32 by the United States.