ATP Confirms Safe Evacuation Of Players From Dubai Amid Middle East Chaos

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 21:45 IST

The ATP confirmed most players stranded in Dubai after last week's tournament have safely departed following the outbreak of war, including Medvedev, Rublev, and Khachanov.

The ATP says the “vast majority" of players stranded in Dubai following last week’s men’s tournament have now safely departed the United Arab Emirates.

Travel plans were thrown into chaos after the outbreak of war involving Israel, the United States and Iran, leaving several high-profile players unable to leave the region immediately.

“The vast majority of players who were in Dubai have successfully departed today on selected flights," the ATP said in a statement.

“The safety and wellbeing of our players, support teams and staff members remains our highest priority, and we continue to remain in close contact with those affected."

Among those impacted were Dubai champion Daniil Medvedev, along with fellow Russians Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov.

Russian media reported the trio travelled via Oman on Tuesday, before heading to Istanbul and then onward to the United States for the upcoming Indian Wells Open. As seeded players, they are scheduled to begin their campaigns in the second round on Friday or Saturday.

Finnish doubles specialist Harri Heliovaara, who lifted the Dubai doubles title alongside Britain’s Henry Patten, confirmed he had reached Italian airspace en route to Milan.

Meanwhile, a second-tier ATP Challenger event in Fujairah was cancelled after drone strikes hit nearby oil facilities.

The ATP said it had arranged and fully funded a charter flight to assist players in departing the region, with accommodation and essential services covered during the disruption.

(with AFP inputs)

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