Dubai’s tennis stars and athletes facing travel issues as Middle East war continues
LONDON — Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev says the ATP Tour is among a “small number of players and team members” it is trying to help get out of Dubai due to widespread travel shutdowns due to war in the Middle East.
Medvedev’s Instagram account on Monday retweeted a report from Russian-language tennis outlet Bolshe, which said Medvedev was safely staying in a friend’s apartment in Dubai after his flight was canceled after winning an ATP event in Dubai last week.
“The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our top 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,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.
“They and their teams were accommodated in the official hotel of the tournament and their immediate needs were fully supported.”
Medvedev and others will compete in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where the main draw begins on Wednesday.
“We are in direct communication with those affected as well as event organizers and safety advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing review in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams are able to leave safely when conditions permit.”
As well as tennis players, cricketers from England and Pakistan’s men’s development cricket teams also came to the United Arab Emirates over the weekend to prepare for a match that was canceled on Sunday.
Youth basketball players are also facing travel issues as European leagues are canceled over the weekend.
Many sporting events in the region have been shut down, with Asian Champions League football matches and the Qatari League also suspended. The governing body that oversees Formula 1 said on Monday it would focus on “safety and welfare” when considering upcoming races in the region.
