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What was American star Coco Gauff's Valentine's Day special in Dubai?
The Atlanta-born player also enjoyed the panoramic view of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck
- PUBLISHED: Sun 16 Feb 2025, 9:21 PM
Before stepping onto the court to face their rivals, top stars at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships faced a barrage of questions from journalists on the media day.
From tackling tough queries on Jannik Sinner’s controversial three-month doping ban to opening up about their goals in the new season following the first Grand Slam of the year in Australia, the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were up to the task when reporters threw all they could at them.
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But the pressers were also dotted with dollies, bringing smiles to their faces.
American sensation Gauff, who famously won the US Open title in 2023, was asked how she compensated her mother, Candi, for keeping her away from her father, Corey, on Valentine’s Day.
“It was super fun. We just went to the Dubai Mall and ate dinner,” the 20-year-old said.
“She's here with me. She can't spend it (Valentine’s Day) with my dad, so I felt like I had to be the one taking her out because I'm taking her away from her Valentine!”
The Atlanta-born player also enjoyed the panoramic view of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck, but exploring the city further is not her immediate goal with tricky matches in the WTA 1000 tournament awaiting her.
Meanwhile, Swiatek, a runner-up here in 2023, says she can’t wait to make her fifth straight appearance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
“Every year, I have a nicer experience because it feels more like home,” said Swiatek who will face either Victoria Azarenka or Anhelina Kalinina in the second round.
“I also really enjoy playing here in front of the fans – many people are coming from different countries to see the tournament. Dubai is making women's tennis more popular, so playing in this city and this environment is something pretty exciting. I'm happy to be here.”
The five-time Grand Slam winner from Poland has already ticked all the boxes when it comes to visiting the must-see places in Dubai.
“Well, I've been in probably the most beautiful and most famous places in Dubai. I already have the experience because I've been here many times, even outside of tournament,” she said.
“But the tournament, you don't have much time to do that, so... If it would be a longer event, for sure I would go more to the beach.”
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.