Ukrainian Tennis Ace Shares Terrifying Photos After Drone Interception Sparks Fire Amidst US-Israel’s War with Iran
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, who were stranded in Dubai, have finally left for Indian Wells.
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Vladyslav Orlov (Image via Instagram/Vladyslav Orlov)
- An ATP Challenger tournament in Fujairah was suspended due to a drone interception that caused a fire nearby.
- Ukrainian player Vladyslav Orlov reported safety concerns during the match amid escalating tensions in the region.
- The ongoing US-Israel military actions against Iran have led to the closure of airspace, affecting travel for several tennis players.
An ATP Challenger tournament in Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates, was halted due to a drone interception about 15km from the site of the tournament on Tuesday. The falling debris sparked a fire in an oil-field.
A clip from a match was uploaded on social media, where Belarus’ Daniil Ostapenkov and Japan’s Hayato Matsuoka could be seen running for shelter following a public announcement.
I just finished my match in Fujairah, second round, but the play is suspended for today. When I was playing, I heard the sound of the jets flying here and there. And there is smoke here, next to the mountain, so not very safe here right now.
Ukrainian player Vladyslav Orlov wrote on Instagram story
The USA and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday and, in its first wave of strikes, killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Iran retaliated and attacked the bases of both countries across the Middle East, including in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Following consultation with local authorities and security advisors, play has been canceled for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure.
The ATP said in a statement
US President Donald Trump said the two allies will continue to attack Iran for four to five weeks until they fulfill their objective of changing the regime by targeting the officials and their military capabilities to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons.
The Middle East Swing on the ATP Tour concluded on Saturday after Tallon Griekspoor handed a walkover to Daniil Medvedev in the final. In the Qatar Open final, Carlos Alcaraz breezed past Arthur Fils.
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev forced to skip an exhibition in Indian Wells
The conflict in the Middle East has led to the closure of the airspace, due to which several tennis players have been stuck in either Qatar or the UAE. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev finally left Dubai for Indian Wells, where they were scheduled to play an exhibition event on the eve of the first Masters 1000 of the season.
As per reports, some players chose an alternative travel option, which also includes a six-hour drive to Oman and then a ten-hour drive to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Medvedev and two other players chose travel to Oman and then book a special flight.
I’m waiting for Andrey Rublev to call me about his arrival in Istanbul. They organized a special flight for Medvedev, Khachanov, and Rublev’s team. We departed Oman at 4 pm, and I’m waiting for a call about our arrival in Istanbul. From there, the guys are flying to Los Angeles. The flight is six hours and 30 minutes, they said. If I’m not mistaken, the ATP helped with the arrangements. They kept holding up the flight for a long time.
Andrey Rublev’s mom, Marina Maryenko, told RIA Novosti
Medvedev and Rublev were scheduled to play in the Eisenhower Cup exhibition alongside Mirra Andreeva and Amanda Anisimova, respectively. Learner Tien replaced Rublev, and Alexander Bublik replaced the 2021 US Open champion.
At Indian Wells, Medvedev is a two-time finalist, reaching the stage in 2023 and 2024, losing both times to World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz. Last year, he lost to eventual runner-up Holger Rune in the semifinals.
Medvedev will be chasing his third title of the season in the first Sunshine Doubles event. Before winning his second title in Dubai, the 28-year-old clinched the Brisbane International by defeating Brandon Nakashima.
Rublev, a two-time titlist in Masters 1000s (2023 Monte Carlos Masters and the 2024 Madrid Open), has played one semifinal at Indian Wells (in 2022) so far. Last year, he lost in the second round.
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