[rhz]

From CNN SI Website

Nalbandian worried about family's safety

Posted: Tuesday August 12, 2003 11:30 PM


CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Shortly after David Nalbandian of Argentina won a 6-0, 6-4 first-round match over Australian Wayne Arthurs at the Tennis Masters Series -- Cincinnati, he was thinking of more important problems back home.

Nalbandian confirmed to SportsTicker on Tuesday that his parents, who reside in his hometown of Cordoba, have received kidnapping threats.

"Yes, of course, I'm worried about them a little bit," the 2002 Wimbledon runner-up said. "Yesterday, I talked to them almost 10 or 12 times. They told me everything is very quiet -- nothing happened yet.

"They said it's very quiet in the city -- it's a small town. And they have security -- private security."

Nalbandian did not discuss the details of any threat.

In a country in economic turmoil, Argentine sports celebrities and their relatives are increasingly becoming targets for kidnapping.

According to Nalbandian, his life on the tennis circuit prevents him from going home often, so he is not concerned about his own well being in terms of being kidnapped.

"I'm not afraid for my safety, but for my family and friends," the 14th-ranked Nalbandian said. "I'm not spending too much time in Argentina so it would be difficult for somebody to get me.

"But my family, they are there the whole year so they have more chances to be the focus of these types of things. I talked to them again today and they are OK."

 

[wtn_amanda]

David

 

[tinkerbell]

 

[selesfan1]

Sad, but not really surprising

 

[Hendouble]

Yes... I always thought Colombia was the real hotbed for kidnapping, what with those constant threats from the FARC, but evidently it's common practice in nearly all of South America. Still, judging by his results these last two weeks it seems that Nalbandian has used this threat as inspiration to spur him on in his matches. I wonder if any of the other Argentine players are receiving the same threats?

 

[controlfreak]

Yes, I hear Gaston Gaudio has threatened to kidnap Coria's pet llama

 

[the cat]

David is a fine player and a good guy! But he has to be suffering inside from this turmoil. I hope he can move his family to a safer place.

 

[gmak]

poor david

 

[jonathan_crane]

Yes... I always thought Colombia was the real hotbed for kidnapping, what with those constant threats from the FARC, but evidently it's common practice in nearly all of South America. Still, judging by his results these last two weeks it seems that Nalbandian has used this threat as inspiration to spur him on in his matches. I wonder if any of the other Argentine players are receiving the same threats?

:topic: (Yay I've always wanted to use that smilie and now I can!! )

Shakira and her family had kidnap threats against them, I guess that is the FARC too.

But yeah, can't be easy for Dave. He's my favourite male player, so I hope he gets things sorted out.

 

[Dava]

I was about to go on to talk about Shakira....

 

[brunof]

Oh boy. How sad. I hope they are alright...

 

[destry]

David is a fine player and a good guy! But he has to be suffering inside from this turmoil. I hope he can move his family to a safer place.

I agree...there is so much evil in this world...a shame his family may be forced to relocate.