Following days of stranding in Dubai amid regional tensions, dozens of tennis players including Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev successfully navigated dramatic road and air routes via Oman to arrive at the BNP Paribas Open. Players shared relief and concerns as they gathered for the tournament.
Over 40 tennis players and families, stranded after the Dubai Tennis Championships due to UAE airspace closures from Middle East escalations, executed their escape plans. Groups drove 4.5 to nine hours to Oman—Medvedev, Rublev, and Karen Khachanov together faced a passport mishap en route—stayed overnight, then flew via Istanbul to Los Angeles.
Medvedev described the 'Hollywood movie'-like ordeal in an interview, monitoring flights amid uncertainty. Khachanov, traveling with family, posted relief on social media after light training waits, noting they awaited options. The group withdrew from the Eisenhower Cup exhibition, won by replacements Learner Tien and Alexander Bublik.
At Indian Wells, players expressed mixed emotions. Coco Gauff prayed for those affected, as her coach Gavin MacMillan remained stuck in Dubai. Carlos Alcaraz found it 'surprising' and worrying, Jannik Sinner hoped for safety, and Ben Shelton noted locker room prayers. Echoing recent Mexico travel woes, the saga underscored geopolitical risks.
Now safe, Medvedev faces Alejandro Tabilo or Rafael Jodar, Rublev meets Gabriel Diallo, and others prepare for BNP Paribas Open singles action.