Rublev and Medvedev escape the chaotic situation in Dubai, while other players with children remain in distress.

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have affected tennis, leaving players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev trapped following the closure of Dubai's airspace. Currently, a development has arisen—Harri Heliovaara, a 36-year-old Finnish pro, offered an uplifting travel update, signaling their upcoming arrival in California.

Heliovaara, who has two children and is still in Dubai, shared the situation in his blog. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov have departed via Muscat, having faced numerous obstacles before finally traveling by private jet.

He added, "The option of chartering a private jet was also considered. The stranded Russian players, after much difficulty, managed to leave today via Muscat. However, their journey was not easy either."

Heliovaara then explained the costs involved: "However, prices have skyrocketed to tens of thousands of euros per seat, and we are not in such a hurry to leave that we must consider this solution. So we will calmly wait for other opportunities, hoping that with the help of the tournament and ATP, new arrangements will be made soon."

He listed other possible options: "Either try to secure seats on flights departing from the UAE, or consider a semi-private large aircraft flying from Oman to Europe on Thursday."

He cautiously continued, "But nothing is certain yet. The best approach is to wait for the situation to improve. Meanwhile, pack your bags so you can depart quickly if return slots become available."

Subsequently, Rublev's mother, Marina Marenko, confirmed their departure and shared the details publicly.

She stated, "A special flight was organized for the teams of Medvedev, Khachanov, and Rublev. They took off from Oman at 16:00." She added that the flight to Istanbul lasted approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Marenko revealed there was a delay before takeoff: "They were not permitted to depart for a long time." The initial plan was to drive from Dubai to Oman, but border traffic was heavily congested. During the crisis, Oman was considered a safer route.

Now, although some players have left, attention shifts to the Indian Wells Open. Some players may miss the initial schedule but still have a chance to enter the main draw directly.

Days ago, the ATP informed players stranded in Dubai about evacuation options. Travel plans suddenly became complicated due to flight cancellations in the UAE.

Officials provided two main overland routes: one was a 6-hour drive to Oman, though Oman's airport was temporarily closed; the other was a 10-hour drive to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where airport operations were relatively normal.

Both options carried risks, with long drives and busy border traffic adding to the uncertainty and danger. After discussions, the players decided to stay put for now, choosing to remain in their Dubai accommodations. They also realized their chances of participating in the Indian Wells Open were gradually diminishing.

Former world No. 8 John Isner urged caution on the "Nothing Major Show" podcast.

He said, "Currently, about 40 ATP players, officials, and staff are stranded in Dubai due to the Middle East conflict, with all UAE flights canceled. This includes Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, who are unable to travel to California."

He expressed further concern: "This situation is almost unprecedented. There is a very real possibility that Medvedev and Rublev will not be able to compete in the Indian Wells Masters."

Isner also discussed the overland options: "There are indeed some choices, but they are all bad—either a 6-hour drive to Oman or a 10-hour drive to Riyadh. Honestly, it makes me think staying in Dubai might be the best option. This is really tough and unprecedented; we've never seen anything like this."

Currently, although some players have successfully left, many remain stranded. It is estimated that about 41 tennis-related individuals are affected, with a few still unable to depart. Holger Rune is also still in the region. Tensions in parts of the Middle East continue.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty, questions arise: What more can the ATP do to safely evacuate players like Harri Heliovaara, who cannot afford expensive private charters?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)