Cancellation of Men’s Tennis Tournaments in the UAE

The ATP Tour has canceled two tennis tournaments in the United Arab Emirates following a security alert that disrupted one on Tuesday. The incident led to a swift reassessment of player safety and tournament viability.

Travel Arrangements for Players

In an email, the ATP informed competitors registered for the Fujairah events that they might arrange a charter flight out of the area for €5,000 ($5,800) per passenger. This flight was expected to depart at 3 p.m. local time on Thursday from Muscat, Oman, approximately a three-hour drive from Fujairah, which entails a border crossing.

Follow-Up Communication

However, a subsequent email sent two hours later clarified that the tour was not directly organizing the flight. Instead, it would seek “available travel options with third-party providers” to assist players.

Commitment to Player Safety

A spokesperson confirmed the cancellations, emphasizing that “the safety and wellbeing of our players and tournament personnel is our highest priority.” Players remaining on-site are receiving full support in terms of accommodation and any immediate needs as travel arrangements are being sorted out.

Incident Details

The first of the two Challenger Tour tournaments in Fujairah was halted around 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday. During the matches, players and officials were ordered to evacuate the court after reports of a nearby security threat.

Responses from Players

UAE authorities stated that shrapnel had landed near the Fujairah Oil Terminal, approximately eight miles from the tennis venue. Ukrainian player Vladyslav Orlov shared his experience of hearing jet sounds during his match, highlighting the tense situation.

Concerns Over Tournament Proceeding

The Professional Tennis Players’ Association expressed its concerns about the decision to continue with the tournament amid security risks. Some players, such as Finn Bass, voiced disbelief that the event had not been canceled sooner.