With the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships set to conclude this Saturday, fans are rightfully concerned about the players’ safety.
President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” against Iran this Saturday morning. The United States is staging a joint attack with Israel to target military and government sites, according to ABC News.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said in a video.
Immediately after the first strike occurred, Dubai International Airport suspended all flights until further notice.
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice,” Dubai Media Office Said. “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights. We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation.”
Aug 24, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Daniil Medvedev gestures after losing a point against Benjamin Bonzi (FRA)(R) on day one of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
(© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.)
As you’d imagine, tennis fans are worried about Tallon Griekspoor, Daniil Medvedev and all the athletes who might be stranded in Dubai this weekend.
“There is Dubai Free Duty Tennis championships ongoing in the UAE. I hope the players are safe from the Iran bombings,” one person wrote on social media.
“Absolutely reckless to be playing a tennis tournament in Dubai right now,” a second person commented. “Literal missiles being intercepted above the city in the last hour.”
“The doubles final is in an hour so they would be on site warming up already. So that would be indication that the tournament is running it. Whether the players play or not is a different decision,” another person commented.
What’s the latest on Dubai?
Griekspoor has withdrawn from Saturday’s final against Medvedev due to a left hamstring injury. He suffered this injury during his semifinal win over Andrey Rublev. It’s unclear if both players will be able to safely leave Dubai.
The men’s doubles final, however, is already underway this Saturday. Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten won the opening set against Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić.
We’re hoping all the athletes who are stranded in Dubai right now remain safe.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.