With Russian stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev stuck in Dubai, a fresh update has confirmed their replacements for Tuesday’s Eisenhower Cup exhibition in Indian Wells. The Tie Break Tens single-elimination event, featuring eight mixed doubles teams, will be played as a prelude to the upcoming BNP Paribas Open.
Replacements for Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev Amid Dubai Travel Uncertainty Before Eisenhower Cup
Medvedev and Rublev were last seen in action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where both enjoyed impressive runs. Medvedev went on to claim the title after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew before the final with a hamstring injury, while Rublev’s campaign ended in the semifinals at the hands of the Dutchman.
However, following the tournament’s conclusion in Dubai, regional tensions escalated sharply after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran on February 28. In response, Iranian forces launched missiles and drones toward several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, the U.A.E., Bahrain, and Jordan.
The situation prompted heightened security measures across the region, including the activation of air defense systems and adjustments to the airspace. That subsequently stranded Medvedev and Rublev in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Bublik had escaped the city right before the situation heated up.
Amid the tensions, Medvedev issued a lengthy statement on social media.
“The situation is unusual. But the only thing is that the airspace is closed. No one knows when we’ll be able to fly out there. Well, it’s not clear whether it will be there for long or not, so we’re just waiting to see what happens in the next few hours or days. They’re gradually postponing the airport closure,” he said.
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For all those worrying about him, Medvedev said, “But for me, everything is fine. I’ve received a lot of messages from friends and acquaintances, and everyone is worried. Well, from my own perspective, I can say that everything is fine here.”
Amid the unfolding developments, an official update confirmed the replacements for Rublev and Medvedev at the Eisenhower Cup. Learner Tien will step in for Rublev and partner Amanda Anisimova, while Alexander Bublik replaces Medvedev and will team up with Mirra Andreeva.
New @tiebreaktens teams for tomorrow night:
🎾 Anismova/Tien (replacing Rublev)
🎾 Andreeva/Bublik (replacing Medvedev)#IndianWells— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 3, 2026
Other notable pairings in the lineup include Jasmine Paolini and Matteo Berrettini, Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, as well as Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Meanwhile, it remains unclear how Medvedev and Rublev will navigate the situation in Dubai and reach the Californian desert for the Masters 1000 event, which gets underway on Wednesday.
On Monday, the ATP said it is actively assessing developments in the Middle East and is staying in close coordination with players as airspace disruptions continue to affect travel plans.
