Daniil Medvedev (Image credit: AFP) Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev indicated he was among what the ATP Tour described as a “small number of players and team members” being helped to leave Dubai as the war in the Middle East caused widespread travel disruption.Medvedev’s Instagram account reposted a message from Russian-language tennis outlet Bolshe on Monday that said he was safe and staying at a friend’s apartment in Dubai. The update came amid the cancellation of his flight following his victory at the ATP tournament last week.
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“The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament staff is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 tournament,” the ATP Tour said in a statement on Monday.“They and their teams are accommodated in official tournament hotels where their immediate needs are fully supported.”Medvedev and several others are scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, where the main draw matches begin on Wednesday.“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as tournament organizers and security advisors,” the ATP said. “At this stage, travel assessments remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can safely depart when conditions permit.”The suspension of travel also affected other sports. England cricketers and Pakistan’s men’s development teams were in the United Arab Emirates at the weekend ahead of the match, which was called off on Sunday.After the cancellation of the Euroleague tournament in the region, youth basketball players also faced difficulties.Several sporting events across the region have been suspended, including Asian Champions League soccer matches and Qatar league matches. Formula One’s governing body said on Monday it would focus on “safety and well-being” when assessing upcoming races in the region.
