SPORT ŞI POLITICĂ ÎN ROMÂNIA COMUNISTĂ. OCTOMBRIE 1972: FINALA CUPEI DAVIS DE LA BUCUREŞTI
SPORTS AND POLITICS IN COMMUNIST ROMANIA. OCTOBER 1972, BUCHAREST: DAVIS CUP FINAL

Summary/Abstract: Fifty years ago, in the autumn of 1972, two events took place which visibly intersected sport with politics. In Munich, the Peace and Joy Olympics were interrupted by terrorist attacks coordinated by a Palestinian organization, resulting in eleven deceased (athletes and coaches from the Israeli delegation). One month later, the organisation of the Davis Cup Final, between the USA and Romania teams, could have been a great difficulty to be played in Bucharest because of the recent events. The Americans have expressed serious concerns about the security of their players. For the first time, the Final was being held in a country in the Eastern Communist bloc. At that time Romania was in good relations not just with the Arab countries and Yasser Arafat's EPO, but also with Israel. In these conditions, for the Americans was important to have the guarantee that the competition in Bucharest will take place in complete safety. On the field, the match brought the strongest tennis teams at that moment. Actually, Romania had only two players of great talent and intelligence. They managed to play on equal foot with strong opponents, unfortunately, without winning. This was a memorable moment in the middle of the Cold War. In a world divided by misunderstandings and conflicts, the Davis Cup final showed that the future lies in understanding and fair play.

• Details
• Contents