WTA Tour upholds fine against Dubai tournament

The WTA Tour Board on Friday rejected the Dubai Tennis Championships organizers' appeal of a record $300,000 US fine and other penalties stemming from the United Arab Emirates' decision to deny a visa to Israeli player Shahar Peer.

The UAE turned down Peer's visa request a day before she was to arrive for the $2-million tournament in February.

On Feb. 20, the tour levied the fine — more than twice the highest fine previously imposed by the WTA — and put in place conditions for the tournament to stay on the schedule for 2010. Those included confirming that qualifying Israeli players will get visas at least eight weeks in advance.

The tour board heard the organizers' appeal at its meetings this week during the Madrid Open.