A representative from the ATP sent an email notifying certain athletes that a private aircraft was being organized for departure from the Middle East, with an individual charge of $5,000 (£3,750), which led to considerable frustration among the participants.
The victor of the Fujairah competition would have secured $9,500 (£7,100) in prize money, while an initial round defeat would have yielded $600 (£470).
Following the players’ public disclosure of the circumstances, the ATP declared its intention to bear the expense of the private plane service, which traveled to Milan after an intermediate stop in Egypt.
Sharipov could not board the flight to Italy due to lacking a valid visa for Europe.
Alighting in Egypt presented an alternative, yet it necessitated abandoning his belongings – such as his rackets, apparel, and gear essential for his profession – without any assurance of their eventual return.
The individual, aged 23, perceived no choice other than to remain within the UAE and explore other solutions.
“Given the ATP was aware of my inability to travel to European nations, I believe they ought to have offered to ‘arrange something for my specific situation’,” Sharipov communicated to BBC Sport.
“However, they failed to do so. Instead, their communication merely stated, ‘there’s a departure you’re unable to utilize.’ From my perspective, this conduct is quite unsatisfactory.”
McCabe successfully departed on Tuesday, having secured a reservation on the initial flight bound for Sydney.
“It came as quite a surprise that the ATP offered no assistance regarding our outward flights from that location. We were essentially left to manage on our own,” expressed McCabe, who is 22 years old.
“The instant word spread that a five-thousand-dollar payment was required, widespread exasperation ensued among everyone.”
The two individuals reported that players who independently booked their travel were initially informed they would not receive repayment from the ATP, nor any recompense in lieu of prize earnings.
Subsequently on Friday, they were notified that the ATP was “considering a compensatory payment” aimed at assisting those athletes who had incurred personal expenses.
Despite numerous players openly voicing their displeasure regarding the ATP’s management of the circumstances, representatives within the administrative organization indicate that several players who departed on the Milan flight conveyed their appreciation.
Furthermore, they highlight the challenge involved in coordinating arrangements under sensitive and continuously evolving conditions.
