Medvedev Wins Dubai, Gets Stranded
Daniil Medvedev secured the Dubai Championships title after opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew from the final, but celebrations were muted as Medvedev and other players found themselves stranded in Dubai after U.S. airstrikes led to widespread flight cancellations. The UAE government is covering hotel and meal expenses for stranded tourists, including athletes and their teams.
The victory marked a personal milestone for Daniil Medvedev, as it was the first time in his career he has won the same tournament twice. The win, his second of the 2026 season, also propelled him to 3rd in the ATP's Live Race to Turin rankings. Tallon Griekspoor's withdrawal came after a grueling semi-final match against Andrey Rublev, where he sustained a left hamstring injury. A hospital visit and scans on the morning of the final confirmed a "serious" injury, forcing him not only to concede the final but also to withdraw from the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The flight cancellations stemmed from the closure of airspace over the UAE and six other countries following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks. Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest for international travel, suspended all operations, leading to more than 1,800 flight cancellations worldwide. Emirates alone cancelled hundreds of flights. Medvedev is not the only tennis star grounded. Others stranded include his semi-final opponent Andrey Rublev, as well as the doubles final pairings of Harri Heliövaara, Henry Patten, Marcelo Arévalo, and Mate Pavić. In total, 41 individuals accredited to the ATP tour, including players, coaches, and officials, remain in Dubai. The travel disruption has impacted the wider sporting world. Members of the England Lions cricket team, including Jonny Bairstow and Andrew Flintoff, are also stuck in Dubai. Additionally, several players and a head coach from multiple EuroLeague basketball teams are unable to leave the city. With the prestigious Indian Wells tournament just days away in California, the ATP has presented stranded players with potential overland escape routes. The options include a six-hour drive to Oman or a ten-hour drive to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, both of which carry logistical and security concerns.
