ATP-assisted exit sees Medvedev and Rublev reach Istanbul after airspace shutdown

Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov have successfully left the United Arab Emirates after being stranded in Dubai due to escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The trio travelled overland to Oman before boarding a special flight to Istanbul and are now awaiting their connection to Los Angeles ahead of Indian Wells.

The disruption followed the conclusion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where Medvedev claimed his 23rd career title. Within hours of the tournament ending, regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensified, prompting temporary airspace closures across parts of the Middle East. Flights from Dubai were suspended, leaving players, coaches and officials unable to depart as scheduled.

At least 41 individuals connected to the ATP 500 event were affected, including singles finalist Tallon Griekspoor and multiple doubles contenders. Missile and drone interceptions were reported across Dubai, though those on the ground remained safe. Tournament organisers extended hotel stays while authorities reassessed flight operations.

For Medvedev and his peers, the timing was critical. The BNP Paribas Open main draw begins this week, and as seeded players, they were due to arrive in California despite holding first-round byes. Instead, preparations were replaced by logistical uncertainty as they awaited clearance to leave the region.

The initial plan involved travelling by car from Dubai to neighbouring Oman, one of the few viable exit routes while UAE airspace remained restricted. Border traffic was reportedly heavy, but Oman was considered comparatively low risk amid the widening conflict.

Confirmation of their departure came via Andrey Rublev’s mother, Marina Maryenko. “A special flight was organized for the teams of Medvedev, Khachanov, and Rublev. They took off from Oman at 16:00,” she said to Sports Rumania, adding that the flight to Istanbul lasted approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

Maryenko noted that departure clearance had not been immediate. “They weren't allowed to take off for a long time,” she explained. She also indicated that the ATP likely assisted with arrangements, though the governing body has not publicly detailed its specific logistical role beyond earlier statements prioritising player safety and wellbeing.

The episode followed a strong competitive week for Medvedev. The former US Open champion lifted the Dubai trophy after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew ahead of the final with a left hamstring injury. It marked Medvedev’s second title of the 2026 season after Brisbane and his second career triumph in Dubai.

Rublev reached the semi-finals before falling to Griekspoor, while Khachanov was also part of the draw. Under normal circumstances, their transition to the North American hard-court swing would have been immediate. Instead, escalating hostilities in the region forced an abrupt pause.

Medvedev had earlier described the uncertainty in measured terms, stating that while daily life in Dubai continued normally, “no one knows when we will be able to take off.” The 30-year-old, ranked No. 11 in the live standings and defending 400 semi-final points at Indian Wells, faced potential ranking consequences had travel delays persisted.

As seeds, Medvedev, Rublev, and Khachanov receive first-round byes. This gives them until Friday or Saturday to arrive, acclimatize, and prepare for their opening matches, significantly lowering the risk of a full tournament withdrawal. While the physical safety of the players is no longer in question, the grueling 24-hour journey involving overland travel and multiple flight connections poses a significant threat to their Indian Wells campaigns. Transitioning from the humid Middle East to the dry California desert is difficult under normal circumstances. Doing so after a geopolitical evacuation could leave the Dubai champion and his peers vulnerable to early-round upsets as they battle jet lag and a lack of practice time.