Tennis stars in Dubai and Paralympians face travel issues as Middle East war continues

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH

Former U.S. Open tennis champion Daniil Medvedev has indicated he’s certainly one of what the ATP Tour calls “a small variety of gamers and staff members” it’s attempting to assist go away Dubai because the war in the Middle East causes a widespread travel shutdown that has additionally brought about points for athletes heading to the Paralympics.

Medvedev’s Instagram account reposted on Monday a report from a Russian-language tennis outlet, Bolshe, which mentioned he was protected and staying at a pal’s condo in Dubai, amid flight cancellations after successful the ATP occasion there final week.

“The well being, security and wellbeing of our gamers, workers and event personnel is our precedence. We will verify {that a} small variety of gamers and staff members stay in Dubai following the conclusion of the current ATP 500 occasion,” the ATP Tour mentioned in a press release Monday.

“They and their groups are being accommodated within the event’s official inns, the place their rapid wants are being totally supported.”

Medvedev and others are as a result of play on the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California, the place main-draw matches begin Wednesday.

“We’re in direct communication with these affected, in addition to with event organizers and safety advisors,” the ATP mentioned. “At this stage, journey assessments stay topic to ongoing evaluation according to airline operations and official steering. We’ll proceed to supply acceptable assist to make sure gamers and their groups can depart safely when situations enable.”

The Winter Paralympics open in Italy on Friday and a few athletes are going through journey difficulties, the Worldwide Paralympic Committee mentioned.

“We’re in shut contact with all delegations competing on the Video games in addition to different stakeholders. Lots of the groups are already in Europe attending coaching or holding camps, however the closure of airspace within the Center East is impacting the arrival of some stakeholders,” the IPC mentioned in a press release.

The IPC confirmed to The Related Press that the affected stakeholders embody athletes.

“We would like to not touch upon the standing of particular person delegations or stakeholders at this stage however can present assurance that we’re working diligently with Milano Cortina 2026 to seek out options for these affected,” the IPC added.