ATP Issues Emergency Statement as Players Remain Stuck in Dubai
Despite the tournament officially ending more than a couple of days ago, many players, their team members, media personnel, and tennis officials have yet to leave Dubai following the airspace closure caused by the ongoing war in the region.
The final, which saw Daniil Medvedev win the title via a walkover, was scheduled for Saturday. However, many people have until now been left stranded in Dubai, including Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, unable to return home or travel to the next tournaments on their schedules.
Players Safe as Organisers Extend Support
Despite the difficult circumstances, Medvedev was quick to clarify that the players have been kept safe and that, from his perspective, everything feels normal. A similar sentiment was echoed by journalists in Dubai, who explained that tournament organisers had extended hotel stays following the airspace closure.
The situation has forced players and their teams into an unexpected pause, but the local organisers appear to have handled the arrangements efficiently.
ATP Issues Official Statement
The ATP has now issued an official statement, emphasising that the safety of all involved remains the top priority as the tour works to facilitate travel and accommodation.
“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 local authorities.
The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event. 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 organisers and security advisors. At this stage, travel arrangements remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow.
We will continue to assess developments and provide updates as appropriate.”
Further Disruptions in the Region
Unfortunately, the broader political situation does not appear to be stabilising. Earlier today, the ATP Challenger event in Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, saw play suspended due to an air strike threat in the vicinity of the tennis club hosting the tournament. The tournament was later cancelled, and supposedly an emergency flight organized by the ATP, at a cost of $5,000 euros per person, will leave Oman on Thursday.
As a result, the ATP is now working on logistical solutions to accommodate those still stuck in the Middle East region while simultaneously preparing travel contingencies once the airspace reopens. Despite that, Participation in Indian Wells is now a legitimate doubt for several players who remain in Dubai.