Several top tennis players are stranded in Dubai following the ATP 500 event, which concluded on Saturday, as escalating conflict in the Middle East grounds flights. The disruption coincides with a US and Israeli offensive on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against American bases across the region. The United Arab Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has been heavily affected, with departing flights suspended.
According to Spanish publication Marca, the ATP held an emergency meeting on Sunday evening to discuss alternative travel options for players hoping to reach Indian Wells. Proposed routes included a six-hour drive to Oman, whose airport is closed, or a ten-hour drive to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, both fraught with risks and long border queues. After evaluating these options, players have opted to remain in Dubai, acknowledging their chances of competing in Indian Wells are diminishing.
World No. 11 Daniil Medvedev, who won the Dubai title by default after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew injured, shared a video on social media. He stated: 'Here, of course, the situation is unusual, but the only thing that happens is the airspace is closed. No one knows when we will be able to take off. It is not clear whether it will last long or not. Therefore, we are just waiting.'
The ATP has confirmed it is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with affected players.
