Georgian tennis players refused entry at Larnaca arrive via Ercan

Turkish Cypriot Tennis Federation president Hasan Gazioğlu said the federation stepped in after the players were refused entry at Larnaca and sent back to Georgia.

The federation then covered the cost of new airline tickets, allowing the six players to travel to North Cyprus through Ercan Airport.

Gazioğlu criticised the incident in a social media post, saying sport and young athletes should not be drawn into political disputes.

“We are fighting not just to develop the rackets of young people, but their future,” he said.

He added that the federation had been determined to ensure the players could still take part in the tournament despite the setback.

“If you put obstacles in the way, it does not matter — we will find a solution,” Gazioğlu said.

The six players have now arrived in North Cyprus and are expected to take part in the TEN-PRO tournament as planned.