More than forty ATP players, officials and staff members find themselves trapped in Dubai following military escalation in the Middle East, with no clear indication of when they might depart.
Among those stranded are prominent figures including world-class competitors Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, alongside Tallon Griekspoor, who had all participated in the closing stages of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The crisis emerged after the United States and Israel conducted military operations against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes on American installations across the region, including within the United Arab Emirates.
Consequently, airspace throughout the area has been shut down, leaving the tennis contingent confined to their accommodation.
Daniil Medvedev won the Dubai Tennis Championships at the weekend
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GETTY
The ATP convened an emergency gathering on Sunday evening to explore alternative travel arrangements for those hoping to reach the United States ahead of Indian Wells.
Two road-based options were presented to the stranded group: a six-hour journey to Oman, where the airport also remains closed, or a ten-hour drive to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Both routes carry significant concerns regarding safety during such lengthy travel, compounded by substantial queuing times anticipated at border crossings.
After careful deliberation, the players collectively declined both proposals, opting instead to remain at their current location whilst acknowledging that their prospects of competing at Indian Wells are diminishing considerably.
The ATP’s head of security has instructed those remaining in Dubai to stay within their hotel, which has effectively been transformed into a protective shelter.
Beds have been arranged on the lower ground floor as a precautionary measure should Iranian attacks intensify further.
Several tennis stars including Tallon Griekspoor remain trapped in Dubai
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GETTY
According to the tennis governing body, at least 41 individuals are currently affected by the situation in the UAE, comprising players, support staff, officials and journalists.
The organisation has confirmed it is actively monitoring developments across the Middle East and maintaining communication with those stranded.
For many within the group, participation in the forthcoming tournament now hangs precariously in the balance.
The United Arab Emirates reported that Iranian forces fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at its territory | REUTERS
The main draw for the ATP Masters 1000 event in California commences on 4th March, with players holding guaranteed flight reservations until 3rd March.
Authorities remain hopeful that airspace may reopen on Monday afternoon, which would trigger a frantic rush to secure seats on the first available departures from Dubai.
Medvedev shared his perspective via social media, stating: “Here, of course, the situation is unusual, but the only thing that happens is the airspace is closed, of course. That is, no one knows when we will be able to take off.”
The Russian added: “I received a lot of messages from friends, acquaintances and everyone is worried, but in principle, I can say on my own behalf that everything is fine.”
