Daniil Medvedev in video update from Dubai after missile strikes | Tennis | Sport

Daniil Medvedev has broken his silence after being stranded in Dubai just hours after being crowned the Dubai Tennis Championships champion on Saturday. He won his final against Tallon Griekspoor due to the Dutchman withdrawing through injury, winning the title by default.

However, overnight developments in the Middle East, saw the US and Israel launch a joint attack on Iran. The Iranian milirary responded by targeting United States bases in the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates and its capital, Abu Dhabi, were hit hard by the strikes, with the chaos spilling over into Dubai, where the tournament took place and flights out of the country have been suspended.

In a video shared on social media, Medvedev said: “Here, of course, the situation is unusual, but the only thing that happens is the airspace is closed, of course. That is, no one knows when we will be able to take off.

“It is not clear whether it will last long or not. Therefore, we are just waiting, let’s say, what will happen next in the next hours, days.

“They are gradually postponing the closure of the airport. As strange as it may sound, I’m very emotional on the court. In life probably, it would help me to be a bit more emotional at some moments, so for me, everything is kind of normal and let’s say, natural.

“I received a lot of messages from friends, acquaintances and everyone is worried, but in principle, I can say on my own behalf that everything is fine.”

The reported plan is to get Medvedev out of the country, with the Indian Wells Masters set to get underway in California next week. Fortunately for the now two-time Dubai Tennis Championships winner, he won’t be in action until either Friday or Saturday, after being given a bye into the second round.

Nevertheless, the travel disruptions will likely put a dent in any preparations for the Masters 1000 tournament, despite his recent comments.

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Journalist Reem Abulleil offered further insight into the current situation in Dubai claiming several other players, coaches, tennis reporters and tournament officials were still in the city, with DDF extending their stay until March 4.

The UAE are periodically extending the closure of airspace, with the latest indication there will be no flying until at least 3pm tomorrow.