Every sport event impacted by US-Iran strikes as tennis stars stranded | Tennis | Sport

A number of sporting events in the Middle East have been impacted as a result of the USA and Israel’s developing conflict with Iran. The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran this morning, with the Islamic Republic swiftly responding.

As a result, conflict has started to spill across the wider region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait. Tensions between the countries have been building in the region for weeks, with President Donald Trump moving in what he called an “armada” of military force, in an operation dubbed ‘Epic Fury’. A number of sporting events in the Middle East have been impacted as a result of the conflict, with Express Sport highlighting these below…

Formula 1

As per the Mail, hundreds of F1 personnel have had their flights cancelled ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The new Formula 1 season is set to get underway at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday, March 8 at 4am GMT.

However, around 2,000 team and organisational staff have had to change their routes after Doha and Dubai – which are major stopover hubs for Qatar and Emirates airlines – were shut on Saturday. As a result of airport closures, F1 travellers have been moved onto flights via Hong Kong and Singapore, while others are taking direct flights to Perth and Qantas.

An F1 spokesperson said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks. As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”

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While F1 bosses insist that the Australian, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will still go ahead in April as planned, it is understood that they have contingency plans in place should changes of venues need to be made.

Elsewhere, F1 tyre supplier Pirelli has cancelled their two-day wet tyre test in Bahrain. Pirelli said in a statement to PlanetF1.com: “The two days of development tests for wet-weather compounds, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit, have been cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation.

“All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels. The company is working to ensure their safety and arrange their return to Italy and the UK as soon as possible.”

Football

FIFA have announced that they will “monitor developments” in Iran following US action in the region. The country has qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is set to play a number of group stage games across North America, but FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has noted that their situation will be monitored in the build-up to the tournament.

Speaking at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff on Saturday, Grafstrom said: “I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did. We had a meeting today, and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.

“We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments, as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”

Elsewhere, Richard Keys was taken off air at beIN Sports after the UK government urged British nationals in the Middle East to “take immediate shelter.” The presenter, who has been based in Qatar for more than a decade, was unable to broadcast as a result of the strikes on Iran, with beIN switching to London-based coverage instead.

Keys wrote on X: “Thank you all for your messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today. You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”

The broadcaster’s decision came off the back of guidance from the Foreign Office, which read: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Despite ongoing conflict, the Saudi Pro League’s round of matchweek 24 fixtures will still go ahead as planned, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s clash for Al-Nassr against Al-Fayha at the AL Majma’ah Sports City. Persian Gulf Pro League fixtures between Mes Rafsanjan and Aluminium Arak, Zob Ahan and Persepolis, and Esteghlal Khuzestan and Malavan, meanwhile, have been postponed. Matches in the Qatar Stars League have also been called off.

Tennis

While there was speculation over the doubles final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, the event ultimately went ahead. Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara managed a 7-5, 7-5 win over Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic to clinch their second title in as many weeks, following success at the Qatar Open earlier this month.

Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, won the men’s singles final with a walkover of Tallon Griekspoor, with the Dutch competitor withdrawing due to a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Holger Rune – who is in Doha today – took to X to confirm that he was safe. He wrote: “Doha today. We are all safe,” while sharing images of missile trails in the sky overhead.

Medvedev and his competitors, meanwhile, have been left stranded in Dubai due to flights out of the country being suspended.

MotoGP

In the wake of Qatar Airways releasing a statement that all flights remain temporarily suspended due to airspace closure, MotoGP journalist Simon Patterson took to X to explain how it could impact drivers and teams. He wrote: “MotoGP’s airline of choice is Qatar. A lot of the paddock are scheduled to be on tomorrow night’s Bangkok to Doha flight.”

The Thailand GP is scheduled for 8am at the Chang International Circuit on Sunday, March 1.

Boxing

Boxing star Chris Eubank Jr posted terrifying footage of Dubai burning after air raid sirens sounded. At least three blasts have been heard in the locale, with Eubank Jr taking to Instagram in the aftermath to urge people to “be safe”.

He wrote: “Explosions going off on the Dubai Palm right now. Please everyone be safe.”

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