Russian tennis players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev did not arrive in Indian Wells in time to take part in Tuesday night’s exhibition event after being among those affected by travel disruptions caused by the war in Iran.
The United States and Israel have launched airstrikes against Iran since the weekend, and the conflict has led to the closure of airspace and widespread flight cancellations in parts of the Gulf, disrupting a key transit hub.
Former world number one Medvedev, who won the Dubai ATP 500 title via WO on Saturday, was scheduled to play in the Eisenhower Cup, a one-night doubles event alongside fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva.
American Amanda Anisimova had been drawn to play with Rublev in the event, on the eve of the main draw of the Indian Wells tournament, in the southern California desert.
Medvedev, a two-time tournament finalist and 11th seed, and Rublev, 17th seed, are both scheduled to play their first singles matches on Friday.
The ATP Tour said on Wednesday that the vast majority of players who were in Dubai were able to board selected flights.
Challenger Tournament interrupted
The fallout from the conflict also led to the abrupt halt and cancellation of an ATP Challenger event in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday due to a security alert, causing players and tournament staff to quickly leave the courts.
The PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) stated that the ATP Tour initially offered players the option of a charter flight for 5,000 euros (R$30,590) per person, paid out of pocket, to leave the country.
The PTPA offered to pay half the cost to the players and asked the ATP Tour to cover the rest.
“We are taking this action to ensure that no player is forced to choose between their safety and financial stability,” the PTPA said in a statement.
The ATP Tour later said that a charter flight had been arranged, “fully funded by the ATP to assist with matches in the region at no cost to players”.
Belarusian player Ilya Ivashka, who was among those trapped in the city, posted on social media: “Just received confirmation that all people from the tournament in Fujairah will be evacuated free of charge. Everything completely covered. Exemplary attitude from @atptour.”
Gauff coach retained
American Coco Gauff said her coach Gavin MacMillan was among those stranded in the Middle East.
“He’s in prison right now, and I don’t know if he’ll make it,” she said. “I just want him to be safe.”
British Jack Draper, current Indian Wells champion, described the situation as very worrying.
“I was in Dubai last week. I managed to get out on probably one of the last flights,” he said.
“I just hope that the players and the entire ATP team can get here. The main thing is that they are safe.”
