Daniil Medvedev’s Tennis Plans Interrupted By Unrelated Global Crisis

Daniil Medvedev experienced a series of unusual events this weekend. He had never won the same title twice, a distinguishing oddity of his career, but he finally did so Saturday when he recaptured the ATP 500 title in Dubai, which he last won in 2023, for his 23rd title overall. However, he won the final without playing a single point: His opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew before the match with a left hamstring injury suffered late in his semifinal.

Even if the final had been played as planned, it probably wouldn't have enjoyed much of a live audience. There were projectiles overhead: Iran launched drone and missile strikes on the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, in retaliation for attacks on Tehran by the United States and Israel earlier that day. The conflict shut down Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest, meaning that players and staff in town for the tournament are still stuck there, and airspace was fully closed until Monday morning.

The ATP said in a statement that it is "in direct communication with those affected" and "will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow." The official hotel of the tournament has accommodated stranded players, tour staff, and journalists. According to the Spanish outlet Marca, the ATP offered two travel options to players looking to leave Dubai and access air travel: a six-hour drive to Oman or a 10-hour drive to Saudi Arabia. (Neither option was selected by any players, and I can't blame them.) Marca also reported that the ATP's chief of security recommended staying in the tournament hotel, which has had beds installed on the basement level in case attacks were to escalate. Some other luxury hotels in Dubai have been struck by debris from intercepted projectiles.