Daniil Medvedev, along with Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, has safely travelled from Dubai to the United States to compete at the BNP Paribas Open, which runs from March 4 to 15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The Russian star recently shared his thoughts on the trip, likening it to a fictional movie because he had to travel through multiple places due to the ongoing war conflict.
Daniil Medvedev Details His Chaotic Journey to the United States Amid the Hostile Situation
Medvedev is entering the Indian Wells tournament following his wins at the Brisbane International title after defeating Brandon Nakashima in the final round, and the Dubai Tennis Championship after finalist Tallon Griekspoor retired ahead of their match due to a left hamstring injury.
Along with other players, the Moscow, Russia, native was stranded in Dubai as the US-Israel-Iran conflict escalated, posing challenges for him and others. He recently revealed his detailed journey, starting from the United Arab Emirates to Oman, and then Istanbul, and finally reaching Los Angeles.
He mentioned, “We arrived in Oman by car. Someone was lucky to get there in 4 hours and 30 minutes, someone drove for nine hours, we drove for seven hours. Our driver couldn’t find his passport. We were the only ones who crossed the border, turned around and came back to the UAE. He found his passport in the parking lot and we drove to Oman. Stayed there for a night, the next day we flew to Istanbul, spent the night in a hotel and flew to Los Angeles.”
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Medvedev also highlighted that his trip mirrored the situation one would expect from a fictional movie. He continued expressing his out-of-the-ordinary experience, adding, “If you tell (the path) in all the details, then of course, it’s unusual. You feel like you’re in a Hollywood movie: crossing the border with other people, visiting Oman for the first time. We arrived in Oman (with Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev) separately, and flew to Istanbul and Los Angeles together.”
READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev Finally Spotted in Indian Wells After Escaping Dubai Crisis
He has safely reached the Indian Wells tournament, along with fellow Russians Khachanov, who will face João Fonseca in the round of 64, and Rublev, who is set to clash with Gabriel Diallo in the round of 64.
In their official statement, ATP has also declared that the organisation will support the remaining individuals and that all arrangements will be made by them at “no cost to players.” They further stated that the majority of players have safely departed on their respective flights and that the safety of players, teams, and their members remains their highest priority.
