TENNIS: Medvedev, Rublev to miss exhibition event at Indian Wells amid war-related travel disruptions

INDIAN WELLS, California – Russian tennis stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev will miss Tuesday night’s exhibition event at Indian Wells due to travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, resulting in airspace closures and widespread flight cancellations across parts of the Gulf. The disruption affected a key transit hub for international sports.

Medvedev, a former world No. 1 who won the Dubai Championships title via walkover on Saturday, was scheduled to play in the Eisenhower Cup, a one-night Tie Break Tens doubles event, alongside fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva. Rublev was set to team up with American Amanda Anisimova for the popular event on the eve of the Indian Wells main draw.

Organizers announced that American Learner Tien will replace Rublev, while Kazakh Alexander Bublik will step in for Medvedev. Both Medvedev, a two-time finalist at Indian Wells and seeded 11th, and 17th-seed Rublev are expected to play their first singles matches on Friday.

CHALLENGER EVENT HALTED

The conflict also forced the abrupt halt and cancellation of an ATP Challenger event in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday due to a security alert. Players and tournament staff were evacuated to designated safe areas.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an advocacy group for players, said the ATP Tour offered a charter flight for 5,000 euros ($5,801) per person for those wanting to leave the country, to be paid out of pocket. The PTPA offered to cover half the cost and urged the ATP Tour to pay the remainder.

“We are taking this step to ensure that no player is forced to choose between their safety and their financial stability,” the PTPA said in a statement.

The ATP Tour did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

GAUFF’S COACH STRANDED

American Coco Gauff said her coach, Gavin MacMillan, is among those stranded in the Middle East.

“He’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it,” she told reporters. “I just want him to be safe. We are taking it day by day with him.”

Indian Wells defending champion Jack Draper called the situation “very concerning.”

“I was in Dubai last week and managed to get away on probably one of the last flights out,” Draper said. “I just hope the players and all the ATP staff are able to make it here safely.”

($1 = 0.8619 euros)

-Reporting by Rory Carroll in Indian Wells; Editing by Toby Davis and Muralikumar Anantharaman/Reuters