They'll Be There! Medvedev, Rublev and Khachanov Leave Dubai

Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov have left the United Arab Emirates after days of uncertainty caused by the closure of UAE airspace following the military escalation in the Middle East. The three Russians, stranded in Dubai after the ATP 500 tournament, reached Oman by land and from there flew to Istanbul, where they caught a flight to Los Angeles. Their final destination is Indian Wells, where the Masters 1000 begins today.

The journey, made possible by ATP coordination, became necessary after military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran led to the suspension of hundreds of flights in the Gulf region. Over forty players, coaches and ATP staff were grounded in Dubai over the weekend. Medvedev, who had just won the title in Dubai after Griekspoor's retirement in the final, had described the situation as "unusual," adding that nobody knew when it would be possible to leave.

Their arrival in California will not be late for the tournament. Medvedev, seeded 11th, Khachanov (16) and Rublev (17) all benefit from a first-round bye and will not take the court before Friday, March 7. The three had to withdraw from the Eisenhower Cup, the mixed doubles exhibition scheduled for Tuesday evening at Indian Wells, but their place in the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open was never in question.