The Russian tennis players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev did not arrive at Indian Wells in time to participate in Tuesday night’s southern California exhibition event after they were among those affected by travel disruptions caused by the war on Iran.
The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran over the weekend and the conflict has led to airspace closures and widespread flight cancellations across parts of the Gulf, disrupting a key transit hub.
The former world No 1 Medvedev, who won the Dubai Championships title via a walkover on Saturday, had been scheduled to play in the Eisenhower Cup, a one-night Tie Break Tens doubles event alongside his compatriot Mirra Andreeva.
Amanda Anisimova of the US had been paired with Rublev for the event on the eve of the main draw of the tournament. Medvedev, a two-time finalist at the tournament who is seeded 11th, and the 17th seed, Rublev, are both scheduled to play their first singles matches on Friday.
Jack Draper, the defending men’s singles champion at Indian Wells, described the situation as very concerning. “I was in Dubai last week. I managed to get away almost probably one of the last flights out,” the British player said. “I just hope the players and all the staff within the ATP are able to make it here. The main thing is that they’re safe.“
Coco Gauff said her coach, Gavin MacMillan, was among those stranded in the Middle East. “He’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it,” the American said. “I just want him to be safe.”
The fallout from the Gulf 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 personnel to flee from the courts.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) said the ATP Tour was offering players the option of a charter flight at €5,000 (£4,300) per person to leave the country. The PTPA offered to pay half of the cost for the players and called on the ATP Tour to cover the rest.
“We are taking this step to ensure that no player is forced to choose between their safety and their financial stability,” the PTPA said in a statement. The ATP Tour did not immediately respond to a request for comment but the Belarusian player Ilya Ivashka, who was among those stranded in the city, posted on social media that the men’s governing body had stepped up to help them.
“Just got confirmation that all the people from the tournament in Fujairah will be evacuated with no cost,” Ivashka posted on Instagram. “Everything completely covered. Class act @atptour.”