“Just waiting for the airspace to reopen”: Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev among stars stuck in Dubai

Several ATP players remain in Dubai days after the conclusion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, unable to leave the United Arab Emirates following the closure of regional airspace amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The disruption has affected not only players but also coaches, officials, journalists and tournament staff.

Among those still in the city are Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev and Tallon Griekspoor, all of whom featured prominently during the ATP 500 event. Doubles specialists Harri Heliovaara, Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo are also part of the group awaiting clarity on outbound travel, alongside coaches and media personnel.

The airspace closure follows a broader escalation in the region, with missile and drone interceptions reported across Dubai. Authorities have periodically extended restrictions on departures and arrivals, creating uncertainty for those planning to travel onward to the United States for the Sunshine Double, including Indian Wells and Miami.

A journalist present in Dubai detailed the situation in a public update, emphasizing that while security incidents have been visible in the skies, those on the ground have remained safe. The message also highlighted logistical support provided by tournament organizers during the disruption.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships concluded as scheduled, but travel plans immediately shifted once airspace restrictions were imposed. Several players had been expected to depart within hours of the final, particularly those targeting Indian Wells, where the main draw begins this week.

In an update from the tournament organizators, the situation was described as follows: “Players (inclu. Rublev, Medvedev, Griekspoor, Heliovaara, Pavic) & their coaches are still in Dubai along with officials, a couple of tennis journalists, myself & the tournament stenographer.”

The message underlined that the group extends beyond athletes, encompassing members of the broader tennis ecosystem. With flights suspended, they remain dependent on government advisories and airline updates before making further travel arrangements.

Tournament organizers have stepped in to provide temporary stability. According to the same account: “DDF were kind enough to extend our hotel stay until March 4 and we are well taken care of.”

The extension ensures accommodation for players and staff while authorities reassess flight safety. For many, the immediate concern has shifted from match preparation to logistical planning.

While daily life in Dubai continues, the airspace situation remains fluid. Missile and drone interceptions have reportedly taken place across the city, though no direct harm has been reported among those connected to the tournament.

The journalist offering updates explained the evolving conditions: “I left the hotel today and I’m staying with a friend in Dubai. There have been missile/drone interceptions across Dubai, but we’ve been safe so far and are just waiting for the airspace to reopen.”

Authorities have continued to revise timelines for reopening air travel. The uncertainty has complicated onward plans, particularly for players scheduled to compete in the United States within days. “They have been periodically extending the period of airspace closure, with the current notice indicating no flying until at least 3pm tomorrow. This will likely be extended again.”

For players such as Medvedev and Rublev, who were expected to transition directly from Dubai to the North American hard-court swing, the delay introduces competitive uncertainty. For now, those still in Dubai remain in a holding pattern, awaiting official confirmation that commercial flights can resume safely. Until airspace restrictions are lifted, the focus remains on security and patience rather than tournament preparation.