Tennis star stuck in Dubai shares concerning update after Iran missile attack

Daniil Medvedev has spoken out after finding himself stuck in Dubai mere hours following his Dubai Tennis Championships victory on Saturday. Medvedev secured the title when his opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, withdrew from the final due to injury, handing Medvedev the championship by default.

But overnight events in the Middle East dramatically altered the situation, as the US and Israel conducted a coordinated strike on Iran. Iran's military retaliated by launching attacks on United States military installations across the Middle East.

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The United Arab Emirates, including its capital Abu Dhabi, bore the brunt of these strikes, with the turmoil extending to Dubai, where the tournament was held. All outbound flights have been grounded — and now, Medvedev doesn't know when he'll be allowed to leave the country. It came as Martina Navratilova blasted "psychopath" Donald Trump before changing tune on the Iran attack.

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In a video posted on social media, Medvedev explained: "Here, of course, the situation is unusual, but the only thing that happens is the airspace is closed, of course. That is, no one knows when we will be able to take off.

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"It is not clear whether it will last long or not. Therefore, we are just waiting, let's say, what will happen next in the next hours, days.

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"They are gradually postponing the closure of the airport. As strange as it may sound, I'm very emotional on the court. In life probably, it would help me to be a bit more emotional at some moments, so for me, everything is kind of normal and let's say, natural.

"I received a lot of messages from friends, acquaintances and everyone is worried, but in principle, I can say on my own behalf that everything is fine."

The reported plan is to evacuate Medvedev from the country, with the Indian Wells Masters scheduled to begin in California next week. Fortunately for the now two-time Dubai Tennis Championships champion, he won't compete until either Friday or Saturday, having received a bye into the second round.

However, the travel complications will likely disrupt any preparation for the Masters 1000 tournament, despite his recent remarks.

Journalist Reem Abulleil provided additional details about the current circumstances in Dubai, noting that numerous other players, coaches, tennis journalists, and tournament officials remained in the city, with DDF prolonging their stay until March 4.

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