Coco Gauff Calls Out ‘Unnecessary Violence’ That’s Killing Innocent People in Middle East: “I’ve Never Felt Unsafe”

World No.4 Coco Gauff will be chasing her first title of the season at the Indian Wells.

Coco Gauff Calls Out ‘Unnecessary Violence’ That’s Killing Innocent People in Middle East: “I’ve Never Felt Unsafe”

Coco Gauff (via Punto de Break)

In Short
  • Coco Gauff expressed concern over the violence in the Middle East, calling it "unnecessary" and highlighting the impact on innocent lives.
  • Gauff's biomechanics specialist is currently stranded in the Middle East, raising her worries about his safety.
  • The ongoing conflict has affected players' travel, with some unable to leave the region for upcoming tournaments.

The Middle East is plunged into turmoil due to Iran’s war with the USA and Israel, because of which the airspace has been closed. The Middle East Swing concluded on Saturday after Tallon Griekspoor handed the walkover to Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov, among others, were stuck in Dubai, but thanks to a special flight in Istanbul, these three players have successfully left Dubai for Indian Wells for the first Masters 1000 of the season. But not Holger Rune, who is in Doha for his rehabilitation following his surgery on his torn Achilles tendon.

At Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz will be chasing his first title of the season as well as his first title in the tournament. Alcaraz is concerned about players’ struggles to leave the Middle East, and so is WTA World No.4 Coco Gauff, who called out the violence and the killing of innocent people. She said at the pre-tournament press conference:

Yeah, I mean, I guess, first off, what’s happening is unfortunate, and my thoughts and prayers are out there for everyone affected, innocent lives being taken. I think it’s a lot of unnecessary violence going on. As for the Middle East, I have never personally felt unsafe there, playing tournaments or anything like that. I have never felt unsafe.

Gauff revealed her biomechanics specialist, Gavin MacMillan, is also stranded in the Middle East. Gauff hired MacMillan last August to end her serving woes.

Yeah, my coach, Gavin, is actually there right now. He’s currently stuck, and I don’t know if he’s going to make it. I just want him to be safe. I don’t know when he can leave and things like that. We are just taking it day by day with him. Yeah, I have never felt unsafe there. I’ve never really felt unsafe in a lot of parts of the world.

Coco Gauff added

The strikes will continue for a month, US President Donald Trump said. The USA and Israel’s main aim is to overthrow the government and stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The two allies first launched the attack on Saturday following failed talks on nuclear deals with Iran.

Sam Querrey backs Coco Gauff to win at Indian Wells

Coco Gauff has yet to reach the final of a tournament this year. After losing to Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open semifinal, the American suffered an opening-round exit at the Qatar Open, losing to Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Last at the Dubai Tennis Championships, the 21-year-old failed to battle past Svitolina in the semifinals.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Image via X/Game, Set & Talk)

At Indian Wells, Gauff is a one-time semifinalist, reaching the stage in 2024. Last year, her run ended in the fourth round. Former ATP player Sam Querrey, when asked to choose an American player who can win at Indian Wells, picked Gauff.

She played great in Dubai, even in the match she lost to Svitolina in the semifinals. She’s never won this event, so I think that could be extra motivation. These courts clearly play to her strengths: a gritty, high-bouncing court can only help her forehand and should give her extra zip on her serve.

Sam Querrey said on Tennis Channel

Gauff has so far added three WTA 1000 titles to her trophy cabinet, winning the 2023 Cincinnati Open against Karolina Muchova, and later the 2024 China Open by again defeating Muchova. Last year, she clinched the Wuhan Open by defeating Jessica Pegula.

The two-time Grand Slam singles champion has yet to win a title since the Wuhan Open. Also, last year, apart from Wuhan, she had also made the finals of the Madrid Open and the Italian Open.

Also Read: French Tennis Coach Shares Harsh Realities of Life in Middle East Amid US-Iran Conflict: “A Drone Flew Over the Club”