Tennis Players Stranded and Criticize ATP After UAE Tournament Cancellation
Tennis players now face canceled matches, sudden evacuations and disrupted travel plans, with many scrambling for flights and two players still stranded in the United Arab Emirates. 3: 15 p. m. ET — The ATP decided to proceed with the Fujairah Challenger before cancelling the event after nearby drone strikes and a fire at an oil terminal.
Tennis Players Evacuate Fujairah Courts After Oil Terminal Fire
Players who were on site in Fujairah ran from the courts when debris from a drone interception set an oil terminal ablaze about 10km from the ATP event, forcing organizers to suspend play and later cancel matches for the day. Video circulated showing Belarusian Daniil Ostapenkov and Japan’s Hayato Matsuoka scrambling for shelter after a public announcement, and explosions were heard outside a Dubai hotel where some competitors were staying.
ATP Decision to Proceed, Then Cancel, Leaves Lower-Ranked Players Struggling
The ATP initially concluded it was safe to play following discussions with local government and added security measures, holding the event behind closed doors; the governing body later cancelled the tournament and a second event at the same venue next week. James McCabe said it took 10 hours to cancel the tournament, and many competitors, mainly ranked outside the top 200, described significant stress and financial strain as they sought flights and support.
Two Players Remain Stranded; Charter Options and Support Explored by Organizers
Two players, Marat Sharipov and Sergey Fomin, remain stranded in the UAE along with their coaches while other competitors have found ways to leave. An initial communication to affected players indicated they could secure places on a charter flight for €5, 000 ($5, 801), and an ATP spokesman said players remaining on site were being fully supported with accommodation and immediate needs covered while onward travel arrangements were explored.
Still, higher-profile players based in Dubai had already secured passage out of the country by other routes. For rank-and-file competitors, the cancellation means lost opportunities for ranking points and prize money at events they rely on to fund travel and coaching.
That said, the regional strikes that prompted the halt are broader in scope: falling debris from drone interceptions prompted the suspension of play, and authorities reported multiple missile and drone interceptions around the UAE amid a wider Gulf escalation. Cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai have seen exchanges and restrictions on some services as a result.
If the cancellation of the second Fujairah event next week holds, many lower-ranked competitors will miss scheduled matches and earnings next week. The ATP has said it will continue to support players on site while onward travel is arranged; more details on travel plans and player departures are expected in the coming days.
