Daniil Medvedev, Family Grounded In Dubai As US-Israel-Iran Tensions Disrupt Flights

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 08:15 IST

Daniil Medvedev, Dubai Tennis Championships winner, remains stranded in Dubai with his family amidst US, Israel and Iran tensions affecting air travel.

2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who won the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, February 28, is stuck in the city along with his family due to the tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, which have handicapped Western Asia.

Medvedev’s opponent in the Dubai final, Tallon Griekspoor, pulled out before the title clash because of a hamstring injury, handing the former a walkover win.

Even more troubling, the Middle East saw a major escalation after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, hitting key targets and prompting retaliation that has rocked the region and heightened fears of a wider conflict.

Dubai’s airspace was closed after Iran’s retaliatory strikes damaged or threatened key aviation infrastructure, prompting authorities in the United Arab Emirates to suspend flights and restrict air traffic as a precautionary safety measure in the face of heightened regional tensions.

Medvedev, along with his wife Daria and their daughters Alisa and Victoria, as well as his team, was unable to leave Dubai because of the airspace closure. Speaking to Bolshe Tennis from his hotel room, Medvedev admitted the uncertainty was unsettling.

“The situation is unusual. The main issue is that the airspace is closed, of course. No one knows when we will be able to fly out, it is unclear whether this will last long or not," Medvedev said.

“We are just waiting to see what happens in the coming hours or days. They keep gradually pushing back the airport reopening time," Medvedev said.

The tennis star, who appeared calm and composed despite the uncertainty surrounding him, reflected on how his emotions differ between high-pressure moments on the court and stressful situations in ‘real life’.

Medvedev spoke about the strong support he has received from friends and family as well, many of whom have reached out with concern for his safety.

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