Tennis Stars Stranded
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among ATP and WTA stars stranded in Dubai due to Middle East airspace closures after an Iranian missile attack. The ATP issued a statement confirming they're in regular contact with affected players and local authorities as Dubai Tennis Championships organizers remain silent on the crisis.
The airspace closures stem from a significant military escalation, including U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran which were followed by retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf countries. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, was among the targets and sustained minor damage. The travel chaos has directly impacted the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev have already been replaced in Tuesday's Eisenhower Cup, a mixed doubles exhibition event preceding the main tournament. Their participation in the main draw remains uncertain, though as seeded players, their first matches would not be until Friday or Saturday, allowing a narrow window for travel if flights resume. Finnish doubles player Harri Heliovaara, who is also stranded, estimated that around 30 people connected to the Dubai tournament, including players and their teams, were being housed in a hotel near the airport. While the ATP has arranged for accommodation, some players reportedly rejected an offer for alternative travel arrangements, such as a drive to Oman, opting to wait for airspace to reopen. Dubai Airports announced a limited resumption of flights on Monday evening, with carriers like Emirates and Etihad Airways expecting to restart some services. However, passengers are being strongly advised not to go to the airport unless their flight is confirmed. Many international airlines have canceled flights to the region for several more days.
