41 ATP personnel stranded in Dubai, Medvedev jokes about holding a closed-door match; Zhou Yi posts about becoming a war correspondent.

With the latest updates from foreign media, the count of ATP personnel trapped in Dubai has risen sharply overnight.

Per Marca’s report, as many as 41 ATP members—players, coaches, event staff, and others—are now stranded in Dubai.

Previously it was thought only six were affected: Russian star Medvedev, Griekspoor, Finland’s Heliövaara, Britain’s Patten, Croatia’s Pavić, and El Salvador’s Arévalo. The continuously updated figures have now shocked the outside world.

All share a common trait: they hold credentials for the Indian Wells Masters. With UAE airspace and Dubai International Airport closed, when they can depart for their destination remains entirely uncertain.

To avoid disrupting the Indian Wells Masters, ATP quickly proposed two evacuation plans for the 41 to leave Dubai: a six‑hour drive via Oman, or a ten‑hour drive to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to catch a flight.

Although the Oman route is shortest, “local major airports are severely restricted and partially closed,” making it unfeasible. The Riyadh option avoids that issue, with airports operating normally, but after evaluation it was also deemed not ideal—the long travel time increases unpredictable risks, and extended border queues could pose safety hazards.

Thus, after discussion, everyone decided to stay at the Dubai hotel; remaining in place is safer, and the group can support each other. ATP’s security head approved, negotiating with the hotel to “add beds on the lower level to address potential safety risks.”

With ATP’s proposed solutions entirely rejected, leaving the group stuck in Dubai, fans speculated they might be frantic. But that’s certainly not the case.

Medvedev, when interviewed, showed no worry about reaching Indian Wells, instead humorously suggesting an impromptu indoor tournament—since staff and personnel are already there, just a suitable venue is needed, avoiding a huge waste of resources.

While many praised Medvedev’s optimism during this crisis, some fans noted thankfully that Chinese player Shang Juncheng had already left Dubai after an early exit, as having a Chinese player stranded would be unfortunate.

Unfortunately, beyond the 41 ATP members, Chinese players Zhou Yi and Sun Fajing are also stranded in the UAE.

Zhou Yi and Sun Fajing traveled to the UAE to play a two‑week challenger in Fujairah, but had terrible luck: upon arrival, they learned the event was suspended for safety reasons. Unable to leave, they must wait patiently for further updates.

“Good news: going to compete; bad news: tournament suspended, airspace closed.” From Sun Fajing’s social media post, one can sense his anxiety—unable to play or depart, a truly frustrating situation.

Zhou Yi’s attitude contrasts completely with Sun’s. Like Medvedev, he displayed humor, posting, “After playing tennis for so many years, I’ve finally become a war correspondent.”

News of Zhou Yi and Sun Fajing being stranded led many to raise a painful question: with their already modest incomes, an indefinite delay could push them toward financial trouble.

A positive update: after Iran’s attacks on U.S. bases and other targets, over 20,000 foreigners are stranded in the UAE. The UAE government has stated it will cover accommodation and related costs until they can depart, so there’s no need to worry about Zhou and Sun facing bankruptcy from this trip.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)