LONDON – Former US Open tennis champion Daniil Medvedev has said he is among what the ATP Tour calls “a small number of players and team members” trying to help leave Dubai as the war in the Middle East causes a widespread travel freeze.
Medvedev’s Instagram account on Monday reposted a report from a Russian-language tennis retailer, Bolshe, saying he was safe and staying at a friend’s apartment in Dubai amid flight cancellations after winning the ATP event there last week.
“The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members will remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.
“They and their teams will be accommodated in the tournament’s official hotels, where their immediate needs will be fully met.”
Medvedev and others will play at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where main draw matches begin Wednesday.
“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organizers and safety advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing review 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 permit.”
As well as tennis players, cricketers from the England and Pakistan men’s development cricket teams were in the United Arab Emirates this weekend ahead of a match that was canceled on Sunday.
Youth basketball players also faced travel issues when a EuroLeague tournament there was canceled last weekend.
Numerous sporting events in the region have been halted, while football matches in the Asian Champions League and the Qatari league have been suspended. The governing body that oversees Formula 1 said on Monday it will focus on “safety and welfare” at the region’s upcoming races.
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