ATP urgently adjusts strategy, fully funds evacuation of players including Sun Fajing from the Middle East

Due to the increasingly tense security situation in the Middle East, the Fujairah Challenge held in the UAE this week was canceled yesterday after less than two days of play. On Tuesday local time, an explosion occurred near the venue during the second round of qualifying, causing an immediate halt to the match. Footage from the scene shows players, officials, and coaching staff quickly evacuating the area for emergency safety. At the time, Iran launched an attack on the Fujairah oil industry zone port, located just 6 miles from the venue. Subsequently, fighter jets intercepted a drone attack, with debris falling into the refinery area and striking a fuel tank, igniting a fire.

Chinese players Sun Fajing and Zhou Yi participated in the event. Photo: Li Jianyi

After the cancellation, safely evacuating players stranded locally became a top priority, with the two Chinese players Sun Fajing and Zhou Yi among them. Sun Fajing updated his personal social media, jokingly referring to himself as a "warzone athlete." Player Ilya Ivashka revealed on social media that ATP is coordinating a chartered flight to assist all personnel in leaving, scheduled to depart from Muscat on March 5 (Thursday), stopping in Egypt before heading to Milan. However, each person needing to take this flight would be required to bear a cost of up to 5,000 euros (approximately 40,000 RMB) for the charter.

Ivashka discloses content of tournament email

For lower-ranked players participating in Challenger events, this is undoubtedly a significant expense. For comparison, the total prize money for the Fujairah Challenge is $63,000, with the singles champion prize being $9,500 (approximately 8,272 euros). This news sparked widespread discussion, with many fans and industry insiders voicing concerns, questioning and expressing sympathy for players having to bear high evacuation costs in a dangerous environment. As the governing body of men's professional tennis worldwide, ATP not only has the responsibility to organize high-level tournaments but should also take concrete action to protect players' rights and safety in emergencies, demonstrating due accountability and initiative.

Ivashka updates social media praising ATP's action

Reassuringly, the situation quickly took a positive turn. Player Ilya Ivashka updated his personal social media last night Beijing time, revealing that ATP will fully cover the evacuation costs for all players. This means players in the turbulent region no longer need to pay out of pocket to leave safely.

Full text of ATP statement

ATP subsequently issued an official statement, emphasizing its continued commitment to ensuring the safety of players and staff: "Following the cancellation of the Fujairah Challenge, ATP has worked closely with the tournament organizer to support players on site. The tournament continues to provide accommodation and essential living support, while ATP has arranged and fully funded a charter flight to help players leave the area at no cost. Additionally, the vast majority of players currently in Dubai have already successfully departed on designated flights today. The safety and well-being of players, support teams, and staff remain our top priority, and we will maintain close contact with those affected."

As of this morning Beijing time, Sun Fajing has successfully boarded a flight and departed Dubai, safely evacuated. In the current volatile situation, the life and safety of every athlete, regardless of nationality or ranking, should be the foremost priority. We hope all participants and their teams can leave the Middle East safely, stay away from danger, and return to the court soon.

(Text, Editor: Wang Fei)