The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has released a statement regarding players being unable to leave Dubai due to the closure of UAE airspace amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
İdman.Biz reports that a total of 41 people, including players, supervisors, referees, security personnel and journalists, remain in Dubai, where the ATP-500 tournament was held last week. All players have been issued tickets for Tuesday, March 3, but there is no guarantee that UAE airspace will reopen.
The ATP press release states: "The ATP is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and is in regular contact with players, their support teams and local authorities.
The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We confirm that a small number of players and team members will remain in Dubai after the tournament. They and their teams are housed in official tournament hotels where their immediate needs are being fully met.
At this stage, travel planning is in a constant phase of evaluation in line with airline schedules and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure that players and their teams can leave the country safely when conditions allow."