The ATP chose to run a Challenger in Fujairah despite rising tensions, citing local safety talks and closed‑door play. Players arrived in the UAE, expecting routine practice, only to hear explosions and jets overhead. Australian James McCabe, then on court, said he had expected to shelter, not compete.

The decision followed a US‑Israeli strike on Iran that sparked Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. A nearby oil terminal caught fire from debris, forcing players to flee. The ATP maintained that extra security and government assurances made the venue safe, but the situation escalated before the tournament could resume.

When the tournament was finally cancelled, players faced a $5,000 flight fee to leave the UAE. The ATP later promised to cover the cost, but many, including Marat Sharipov, could not secure visas or return routes. Sharipov spent $7,000 on cancelled flights, while others struggled to retrieve gear and find new itineraries.

The Professional