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ATP Stars Remain Stranded in Dubai as Gulf Closures Ground Flights

Some players rejected long overland routes proposed by the tour, making Indian Wells participation unlikely.

Overview

  • ATP said a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai after the ATP 500 event, with health and safety the priority.
  • Affected players and staff are being housed in official tournament hotels as the tour coordinates with organizers and security advisors.
  • Reports indicate athletes declined contingency routes that included a six-hour drive to Oman or a 10-hour drive to Riyadh, lowering prospects of timely travel to Indian Wells.
  • Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov are among those stuck, and Medvedev noted on social media that UAE airspace closures keep shifting as they wait for updates.
  • Regional airspace across parts of the Middle East is largely shut following U.S. and Israeli strikes and Iran’s missile response, and Emirates has temporarily suspended Dubai operations.