After more than three days of being stranded in Dubai, the ATP has now taken concrete steps to assist players stuck in the United Arab Emirates following the airspace closure in the Middle East amid the escalating war in Iran.
The situation unfolded after the completion of the ATP 500 event in Dubai, when players and their team members were unable to depart for home or travel to their next tournaments due to the sudden restrictions.
Russian Trio Confirm Safe Departure
Among those still in Dubai were this year’s champion Daniil Medvedev, alongside Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. All three confirmed via social media that they have now successfully left Dubai.
The trio boarded a flight arranged by the ATP that diverted from Dubai to Oman before continuing to Los Angeles for Indian Wells, with a layover in Istanbul. They were confirmed to have departed on Tuesday and are now included in the practice schedule for the upcoming tournament. Their participation had previously been in serious doubt.
Fujairah Challenger Cancelled
Additionally, the ATP Challenger event taking place in Fujairah was officially cancelled after play had already been suspended yesterday. The suspension occurred due to the tennis club’s proximity to the vicinity of an intercepted air strike.
In a statement, the ATP confirmed that it has been working closely with authorities to ensure every player’s safety and to secure transportation out of the region as quickly as possible.
Charter Flight Fully Funded by ATP
Earlier reports suggested that the ATP was organizing a charter flight from Fujairah to Milan, with a layover in Egypt, for €5,000 per person. However, after much criticism, it has now been revealed that the flight will be fully funded by the ATP, allowing players stranded in the UAE to leave free of charge.
The ATP said:
“Accommodation and essential needs continue to be covered by the tournament, and a charter flight has been arranged and fully funded by the ATP to assist with departures from the region at no cost to players.
Separately, the vast majority of players who were in Dubai have successfully departed today on selected flights. The safety and well-being of our players, support teams, and staff members remains our highest priority, and we continue to remain in close contact with those affected.”
While the ATP has faced criticism in the past for its handling of certain issues on tour, it is fair to say that the situation in the Middle East has been managed as effectively as possible given the circumstances. It may even prove to be a turning point in how the tour addresses major logistical and crisis-related challenges in the future.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
