Russian tennis players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev were unable to reach Indian Wells in time for Tuesday night's exhibition event after travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict with Iran. The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, leading to airspace closures and widespread flight cancellations across the Gulf region.
Medvedev, the former world No 1 who won the Dubai Championships via a walkover on Saturday, was scheduled to play in the Eisenhower Cup alongside compatriot Mirra Andreeva. Rublev was paired with American Amanda Anisimova for the one-night Tie Break Tens doubles event. Both players are seeded at Indian Wells—Medvedev 11th and Rublev 17th—and are due to play their first singles matches on Friday.
Jack Draper, the defending men's singles champion, expressed concern after narrowly escaping Dubai. “I was in Dubai last week. I managed to get away almost probably one of the last flights out,” the Briton said. “I just hope the players and all the staff within the ATP are able to make it here. The main thing is that they’re safe.”
Coco Gauff revealed that her coach, Gavin MacMillan, was among those stranded in the Middle East. “He’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it,” the American said. “I just want him to be safe.”
The conflict also forced the cancellation of an ATP Challenger event in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday due to a security alert, with players and tournament personnel fleeing the courts. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) said the ATP Tour offered a charter flight at €5,000 (£4,300) per person, with the PTPA covering half the cost. The ATP Tour later confirmed it would cover all evacuation costs, as Belarusian player Ilya Ivashka posted on Instagram: “Just got confirmation that all the people from the tournament in Fujairah will be evacuated with no cost. Everything completely covered. Class act @atptour.”
