This story is from February 9, 2020

Politics and governments make more trouble than it actually is: Jonathan Erlich

Israeli Grand Slam champion Jonathan Erlich has hit out at governments and national federations issuing diktats to their players to not play against opponents of certain countries.
Politics and governments make more trouble than it actually is: Jonathan Erlich
Jonathan Erlich. (Getty Images)
PUNE: Israeli Grand Slam champion Jonathan Erlich has hit out at governments and national federations issuing diktats to their players to not play against opponents of certain countries.
Citing the example of his partnership with Pakistan's Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi, Erlich, who won the Australian Open doubles title with compatriot Andy Ram in 2008, said sportspersons should rise "beyond politics".

"I don't get into it. I understand that some players don't play because their association or the government put it (order). I always believed that it's important to be beyond politics. I think all this politics is b*******," the 42-year-old said after finishing runner-up with Andrei Vasilevski of Belarus at the Tata Open Maharashtra on Sunday.
"I have played with Qureshi. He is a Pakistani Muslim and Pakistan has zero relationship with Israel, and he is one of my best friends.
"So when the (Pakistan) government says don't play with him, he says 'wow, he is my best friend and why shouldn't I play with him?'
"Politics and government always make more trouble than it actually is. But that is the life unfortunately."
Erlich and Qureshi won an ATP title in Chengdu in 2017.
Sunday's final, in which Indonesia's Christopher Rungkat and Sweden's Andre Goransson prevailed 6-2, 3-6, [10-8], was the 42nd of Erlich's career and he failed to add to his 21 titles, which includes two Masters.

Erlich won 15 of his titles with Ram as the duo played together for nearly a decade, with a two-year break-up in between.
"We clicked from the first moment. We had great chemistry. Even before playing we were very good friends, I had played with his older brother," Erlich said. "Once we joined forces, slowly we moved up in the rankings. We kept going and ended up winning a Grand Slam and Masters."
So, while Ram had called it a day four years ago, what keeps him going"
"To run away from my wife! No, just kidding," Erlich joked.
"I love the game, love to compete. I like this atmosphere, playing in a stadium with people cheering is something I really enjoy. The Tour is lonely, my wife and kids travel with me sometimes.
"I see all the guys that have retired and they regret it. I feel the life in tennis is much better. So as long as I feel fit and keep winning matches, I am happy."
author
About the Author
K Kumaraswamy

K Kumaraswamy is a principal correspondent at The Times of India, Pune, and covers sports. He has been based in Delhi and Mumbai before shifting to Pune. A PG Diploma holder, Kumar has reported on Indian cricket, tennis, football and motor sports. He has been writing on Indian shooting recently.

End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA