Professional tennis officials announced Monday they are keeping close watch on Middle Eastern tensions after flight disruptions stranded several players in Dubai following last week’s tournament.
Tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have forced airspace shutdowns and numerous flight cancellations throughout Gulf region areas, creating major problems at a crucial international travel hub and making it difficult for tennis professionals to reach their upcoming competition in Indian Wells.
Russian player Daniil Medvedev, who won the Dubai championship by walkover on Saturday, is among those experiencing travel complications, alongside countryman Andrey Rublev.
“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 tennis organization stated, noting that players remaining in Dubai “are being accommodated in the tournament’s official hotels.
“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organisers and security advisors… We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow.”
Competition at Indian Wells is set to start Wednesday, though seeded competitors receive opening-round exemptions and won’t play until later in the week.
Medvedev holds the 11th seed position for Indian Wells, while Rublev earned the 17th seed for the California Masters 1000 competition.
