Danish tennis star Holger Rune has found himself stranded in Doha as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupted flights and airspace across the Gulf region.
Rune, a 2023 French Open quarterfinalist, had travelled to Qatar for the Qatar Open. Although sidelined due to an Achilles injury sustained late last season, he had been training on-site and supporting fellow players during the tournament.
However, the conflict between Israel and Iran has led to widespread airspace closures, leaving Rune and his team unable to leave Doha.
‘Brutal at night’
Rune’s mother and manager, Aneke Rune, described the atmosphere as deeply unsettling.
“It has been a wild night. We did not get much sleep. It all seems more brutal at night with the fireballs in the sky and repeated bangs,” she told TV2 Sport.
She added that the hotel staff were supportive, but the experience was frightening — especially for her son.
“Holger was really scared last night. It pours in with brutal news and images of attacks everywhere around us. Our flight is, of course, cancelled today and we now have no idea when we can get out,” she said.
Travel chaos in the Gulf
The confrontation has triggered flight cancellations and heightened security across key Gulf hubs. Qatar, a major exporter of liquefied natural gas, sits at the centre of regional air traffic and trade routes, amplifying the disruption.
Gas prices have also risen amid concerns over supply stability, adding to broader global economic strain.
For Rune and many other international travellers in Doha, the focus remains on safety and waiting for clarity as the situation evolves.