Daniil Medvedev among players stranded in Dubai as conflict triggers travel shutdown; ATP works on evacuation plan

Daniil Medvedev, along with several others, is scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.

Updated on: Mar 2, 2026, 20:37:01 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Daniil Medvedev has said he is one of several players and staff currently stranded in Dubai, with the ATP Tour working to arrange their departure after rising tensions in the Middle East led to flight cancellations and major travel disruption.

Daniil Medvedev was safe and staying at a friend's apartment in Dubai. (AFP)

The former US Open winner shared a post on Instagram from Russian tennis outlet Bolshe, stating that he was safe in Dubai and staying at a friend’s home following widespread flight cancellations, just days after lifting the ATP title at the tournament there.

“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,” the ATP Tour said in a statement Monday.

“They and their teams are being accommodated in the tournament's official hotels, where their immediate needs are being fully supported.”

Medvedev, along with several others, is scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, with main-draw action set to get underway on Wednesday.

Amid mounting travel uncertainty, the ATP Tour has issued a statement addressing the situation, confirming that it is in constant touch with affected players and closely monitoring developments alongside tournament officials and security experts.

“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organisers and security advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments 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.”

Travel turmoil spreads beyond tennis

It wasn’t only the tennis circuit that felt the disruption. England and Pakistan’s men’s development cricket sides were also in the United Arab Emirates over the weekend for a scheduled fixture that was eventually called off on Sunday. Meanwhile, a youth EuroLeague basketball tournament in the region was scrapped as well, leaving several young players grappling with sudden travel uncertainty.

Numerous sports events in the region have shut down, with Asian Champions League soccer games and the Qatari league on hold. The governing body which oversees Formula 1 said Monday it will focus on “safety and wellbeing” as it considers upcoming races in the region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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