Coco Gauff sheds light on the challenges faced by tennis players in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai. She highlights the unique struggles that arise from the transition from Australia to the Middle East, which is a tricky adjustment for many top players.
The Australian Open concludes, and just a week later, the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha commences, followed by another prestigious event in Dubai. It's no secret that top players have encountered significant difficulties in the Middle East over the past few years. Gauff herself has experienced setbacks, losing her opening match in Doha during each of her last three visits to Qatar. Additionally, she exited the Dubai tournament after just one match last year.
However, Gauff wasn't alone in her struggles. Amanda Anisimova also lost her opening match in Doha, while Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina only reached the quarterfinals. When asked about the reasons behind these challenges, Gauff attributed it to the proximity to Australia.
She explained, "I think it’s being so close to Australia. I know some players live here, but a lot of players live in Europe or the US. The biggest struggle is being in Australia for a month or more. You want to go home, and then you have to leave and come back here, adjusting all over again."
Furthermore, Gauff noted the difference in court speeds between Doha and Dubai. She stated, "For me personally, Doha was a bit slower, but here [in Dubai], it’s a bit faster. I think I could struggle a little bit with that. Yeah, maybe the transition after Australia might be tough for some players."
Despite her challenges, Gauff, as the No. 3 seed, received a first-round bye in Dubai. She will await the winner of the match between Jelena Ostapenko and Anna Kalinskaya in the second round.
