French Tennis Coach Shares Harsh Realities of Life in Middle East Amid US-Iran Conflict: “A Drone Flew Over the Club”

The US, along with Israel, launched an attack on Iran with US President Donald Trump saying the operation could last four or five weeks. The two allies are aiming to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and destroy Iran’s missile capabilities. Trump also claimed the objective of the operation was to eliminate imminent threats from Iran.

Iran responded by bombing the US bases across the Middle East, including countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. The frequent bombings led to the closure of the airspace.

Several tennis players are stranded in either Doha or Dubai because of the recently concluded Middle East Swing. World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz won the Qatar Open, while Daniil Medvedev clinched the Dubai Tennis Championships. Medvedev is also stuck in Dubai along with his family members.

A day after the first strikes, French tennis coach Jean-Rene Lisnard shared the realities of living in the Middle Eastern countries amid the turmoil. He told L’Eqipe:

We’re an hour and fifteen minutes from Dubai. The tournament is suspended for the time being. They don’t know if they’re going to keep it going. We’re not really sure… This morning (Sunday), a drone flew over the club. It’s not the most peaceful time of our careers. The kids are still training, though. Life is ‘normal,’ in quotes, but at any moment… And then there’s this feeling of being in a dead end because you can’t escape.

Holger Rune is also in Doha for his rehabilitation. Last year, he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the semifinals of the Stockholm Open, following which, he underwent surgery.

Holger Rune’s mom slams the Danish government amid the US-Iran conflict

During her interview with BT, Holger Rune’s mom, Aneke Rune, censured the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She accused them of not doing anything to evacuate the Danish citizens stranded in the Middle East.

Well, if that’s the case, why don’t they reach out and ask where we are? Or give us a number to call 24/7? Or offer assistance with housing or something?

Also, in another interview, she revealed how living in Doha was “brutal,” especially at night. She also revealed that Rune was “really scared” and that they had no idea when they could get out.

What are they working on? A military plane that will come and pick us Danes up? Or what are they working on? Then they must disclose it so that Danes themselves do not have to sit and spend hours researching alternatives, possibilities, and car rentals across the border to get out of Qatar.

Aneke Rune added

Rune attended a few matches during the Qatar Open, which was underway. The Dane will skip the Sunshine Doubles, which is scheduled to start on March 4. Last year at the Indian Wells Masters, Rune lost to Jack Draper in the final.

Recently, during an interview, Rune was asked whether he would be able to make his comeback at the French Open, and he talked about the uncertainty of his comeback.

Last year, apart from the Indian Wells Masters, Rune also made the final of the Barcelona Open, winning it by defeating Carlos Alcaraz. So far in his career, Rune has clinched five titles from 11 finals, including one Big Title, the 2022 Paris Masters, by defeating Novak Djokovic.

In Grand Slam events, Rune has yet to make the semifinals, reaching the quarterfinals twice: at the 2022 and 2023 French Open and at the 2023 Wimbledon. Last year, he made the fourth round twice in the Majors.

Also Read: What is the Prize Money for the 2026 Indian Wells Open?

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