Middle East Strikes Leave Tennis Pros Stranded in Dubai

The growing war in the Middle East has stranded several tennis players in Dubai.

After the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, Iran retaliated by striking several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai airspace remained closed Monday, although authorities said they would allow a limited number of flights out of the country later in the day.

The ATP released a statement Monday confirming that “a small number of players and team members” remain in Dubai.

“The ATP is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and remains in regular contact with our players, their support teams, and relevant authorities,” the statement read.

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

“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organizers and security advisors. At this stage, travel arrangements remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance.”

The ATP did not confirm which players remain in Dubai when asked by Front Office Sports, nor did it specify the total number of players and staff remaining. 

Sports journalist Reem Abulleil tweeted Sunday that she is still in Dubai along with several players, coaches, tournament organizers, and other tennis journalists. Abulleil said that some of the players left were world No. 11 Daniil Medvedev, who won the singles title at the Dubai Tennis Championships, and world No. 17 Andrey Rublev, who made the semifinals.

Abulleil also listed singles runner-up Tallon Griekspoor, doubles champions Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten, and doubles runner-ups Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić as among those remaining in Dubai.

The main draw of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, an ATP 1000 tournament, starts Wednesday. Ranked players like Medvedev and Rublev will receive a first-round bye and will play either Friday or Saturday.

It’s the second time in the last two weeks that the ATP ran into geopolitical issues. The Mexico Open, another ATP 500 event, started Feb. 23, the day after Mexican special forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, sparking a wave of violence around the country.

The event went on as usual, and the ATP released a statement last Monday saying the tournament would continue “as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally.”