World No.11 Daniil Medvedev is one of several ATP Tour players and staff who are currently stranded in Dubai following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East
Tennis star Daniil Medvedev is stranded in Dubai (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
The ATP have issued a statement regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with numerous players stranded in Dubai. Daniil Medvedev is among those affected having won the ATP 500 title there on Saturday.
World No. 11 Medvedev secured the Dubai title by default after his opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, withdrew through injury. The Russian will have been hoping to travel to California for Indian Wells this week, but he remains stuck in Dubai.
It follows the United States and Israel launching a combined assault on Iran, prompting the Iranian military to retaliate by striking American bases across the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates and its capital, Abu Dhabi, bore the brunt of the attacks, with the turmoil spreading to Dubai, where flights out of the country were suspended.
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The ATP, which operates the professional men’s tennis tour, have now addressed the situation involving their players in the Middle East.
A statement said: “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.
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“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.
Daniil Medvedev may miss Indian Wells as he remains stranded in Dubai(Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
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Additional stranded players include Harri Heliovaara, who claimed the men’s doubles crown alongside British partner Henry Patten. The Finnish player disclosed in an extensive post on his personal blog precisely what had transpired from his viewpoint over the previous 48 hours.
He said: “Much of the airspace in the surrounding areas is closed, so no flights have left Dubai Airport since yesterday morning. And so all of us players, the finalists and a few other doubles players, are stuck in Dubai. And of course all of the ATP staff, from the judges to the physiotherapists.
“And of course the coaches and other team and family members, around 30 people in total. The airspace closure here has been gradually extended and currently the Dubai Airport is not expected to open until 3pm on Monday at the earliest.”
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