Tennis stars stranded in Dubai as Middle East war disrupts travel

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has indicated that he is among what the ATP Tour described as “a small number of players and team members” it is helping to leave Dubai, as the war in the Middle East has triggered widespread travel disruptions.

Medvedev’s Instagram account reposted a report on Monday from Russian-language tennis outlet Bolshe, which stated that he was safe and staying at a friend’s apartment in Dubai. The update came amid flight cancellations following his victory at the ATP event there last week.



“The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.

“They and their teams are being accommodated in the tournament's official hotels, where their immediate needs are being fully supported.”

Medvedev and several others are scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where main-draw matches begin on Wednesday.

“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organizers and security advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow.”

The travel disruption has also affected other sports. Cricketers from England and Pakistan’s men’s developmental teams were in the United Arab Emirates over the weekend ahead of a match that was cancelled on Sunday.

Youth basketball players likewise encountered difficulties after a EuroLeague tournament in the region was called off.

Several sporting events across the region have been suspended, including Asian Champions League football matches and fixtures in the Qatari league. Formula 1’s governing body said on Monday it would focus on “safety and wellbeing” while reviewing upcoming races in the region.



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