Indian Wells Open: Russians delayed after travel disruptions caused by Middle East crisis | Tennis
Russian tennis players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev did not arrive in Indian Wells in time to participate in Tuesday night’s exhibition in Southern California because they were among those affected by travel disruptions caused by the war with Iran.
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran over the weekend and the conflict has led to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations in parts of the Gulf, disrupting a key transit hub.
Former world number one Medvedev, who won the Dubai Championships title via a forfeit on Saturday, was due to compete in the Eisenhower Cup, a one-night Tie Break Tens doubles event alongside compatriot Mirra Andreeva.
American Amanda Anisimova had been paired with Rublev for the event on the eve of the tournament’s main draw. Medvedev, a two-time tournament finalist and seeded 11th, and Rublev, seeded 17th, are both scheduled to play their first singles matches on Friday.
Jack Draper, the reigning men’s singles champion at Indian Wells, described the situation as very worrying. “I was in Dubai last week. I managed to escape almost probably on one of the last flights,” said the British player. “I just hope that the players and all the ATP staff can get here. The main thing is that they are safe.”
Coco Gauff said her coach, Gavin MacMillan, was among those stranded in the Middle East. “He’s stuck right now and I don’t know if he’s going to make it,” the American said. “I just want him to be safe.”
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, forcing players and tournament staff to flee the courts.
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) said the ATP Tour was offering players the chance to take a €5,000 (£4,300) per person charter flight to leave the country. The PTPA offered to pay half of the players’ cost and asked the ATP Tour to cover the rest.
“We are taking this step to ensure that no player is forced to choose between their security and financial stability,” the PTPA said in a statement. The ATP Tour did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Belarusian player Ilya Ivashka, who was among those stranded in the city, posted on social media that the men’s governing body was being mobilized to help them.
“I have just received confirmation that all participants in the Fujairah tournament will be evacuated free of charge,” Ivashka posted on Instagram. “Everything is fully covered. Class act @atptour.”
