Following that final, Griekspoor would normally have flown back to the Netherlands, but that became impossible. Due to the attack by Israel and the United States on Iran, the neighboring United Arab Emirates is deemed unsafe for flights. As a result, Griekspoor, along with other athletes and tennis players, is now stranded in Dubai.
'This morning, the hotel shook a bit'
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Griekspoor shared how much he's experiencing of the current situation in the Middle East. "We're in a favorable spot here, so far. Besides staying calm, there's nothing we can do. I've watched a lot of football. All the ATP physiotherapists are also stuck here, which helps," the injured Griekspoor explained about his situation after the ATP tournament in Dubai.
Nevertheless, Griekspoor has witnessed some events related to the attacks on Iran. "We mainly see drones being shot down by anti-aircraft defenses. We're relatively safe here, a good distance from the beach and The Palm (the hotel significantly damaged by a drone from Iran, ed.). Normally I'd be there, but now we're near the airport. This morning, the hotel did shake a bit when the airport was attacked."
A Bizarre Week
Griekspoor's week was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. During the ATP tournament in Dubai, the Dutchman defeated big names like Alexander Bublik, Jakub Mensik, and Andrey Rublev. In the semi-final against the latter, Griekspoor was already struggling with some discomfort after landing awkwardly following a serve. Those hamstring issues plagued the top tennis player so much that he ultimately had to withdraw just before the final.
Griekspoor's withdrawal automatically made Daniil Medvedev the winner of the ATP tournament in Dubai. The Russian didn't have to play a final for it, but he also commented that he would have preferred it otherwise.