Coco Gauff: "What is happening with the war is lamentable"

Pedro de Pablos | 4 Mar 2026 | 18.45

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Coco Gauff is one of the top favorites for the WTA Indian Wells 2026. The young American tennis player attended a press conference before her debut to discuss various hot topics in the circuit and in the world, such as the war conflict in the Middle East that has directly impacted the tennis world, specifically affecting Gavin MacMillan, her coach.

The coach of the American tennis player is one of the thousands of people who cannot leave the area due to airport closures, and it is currently uncertain if he will be able to assist Coco Gauff in Indian Wells. The number four in the current WTA rankings updated her situation, discussed the tight schedule they have on the women's circuit, and talked about the debate that has arisen regarding whether female players should also play five sets in Grand Slams.

About the various war conflicts around the world and if they are discussed in locker rooms

I don't discuss these things with other players because I don't think others are as interested as I am, nor do they want to talk about it. I talk about it with my friends. But yes, I guess this conversation doesn't really come up in the locker room, to be honest. What is happening is lamentable, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, with the innocent lives being taken. I believe there is a lot of unnecessary violence. As for the Middle East, personally, I have never felt unsafe
there, playing tournaments or the like.

What is happening now, I suppose maybe political experts could see it coming, but I think, as far as a tennis player, no one expected this to happen. Yes, my coach, Gavin, is there right now, he's stuck. I just want him to be safe. I don't know when he will be able to leave. We are taking it day by day with him. For instance, in the United States, we have many mass shootings and there is always uncertainty with that.

I don't think there's much hatred towards the Middle East, but I think it's just many unfortunate circumstances happening right now, and the timing of everything happening makes it difficult for guys to stay there. I'm grateful I was able to get out of there before things escalated to where they are now.

Decision to play the two WTA 1000 in the Middle East

Perhaps in the future, I will probably skip Doha. I love Doha, but I've never played well there. I think the season is very tight, and I think having a Grand Slam and then, a week later, two consecutive WTA1000... I know some people live in Dubai, but especially for American players, it's a very long trip. I don't regret it, because it's already happened.

I've done it before and had success later in the season. Yes, it's something I would consider, definitely, in the future. I think the last tournament in Dubai was just a coincidence, bad luck for the tournament with all the injuries and player withdrawals.
I think that shows that maybe the schedule is a bit tight at that part of the season. I definitely think it's something the circuit should consider.

Female Grand Slams to five sets

It would probably benefit me because physi-cally I'm among the best, but I wouldn't want that to happen. And if it had to
happen, I'd prefer it to be throughout the tournament, not just in the quarterfinals. I think changing the format mid-tournament goes against the purpose of equal playing conditions. Yes, I think it would be too much for the players and also for the fans and television. Imagine, sometimes five sets last until the 7 p.m. session. If we all played five sets, I don't even think we could finish in two weeks, to be honest.

Changes in look

That's a good question. I like changing my hairstyle. I'm not someone who sticks to a specific look, sometimes I just grab the scissors and cut it, but especially with natural hair, it's difficult. I always said when I was younger, seeing the Williams sisters change their blonde braids or braids or curly hair, I wanted to have that style to show girls, especially black girls with natural hair, that you can compete at the highest level and still rock these styles. I think it's important, I take pride in my hair. But, yes, it's not easy to deal with this, especially when you're in other countries and forget to bring something and literally can't find a product for your hair. It's tough, but I feel much better when I'm in Europe and in the United States, where I can find products for my hair in case I forget something.

Rage Room at the Austin Open

Was that real? I thought it was AI... My mother sent it to me and I told her it was AI. She believes in many things related to AI. They were probably inspired by me (smiles). I'll take it with good humor. I'm not someone who smashes rackets that often, but when it happens, it happens, so I guess I would probably use it. It's not something that's planned really, but I definitely try not to do it in front of cameras or on the court. So, yes, if I felt like I needed to release some frustration, I would definitely go to the rage room. Yes, I think there are some here, so maybe I should book one and smash dishes and stuff, that would probably be more fun than a racket.

Winter Olympics

Yes, I watched the Olympics. Alysa's story was super inspiring, and I think I could relate a lot to her, as I also started practicing a sport when I was very young. I wouldn't say I've experienced burnout, but there are times when you are just mentally tired and feel like you're doing things and don't know why. So I definitely identified with her whole story. I was glad to see her be that voice that says the things athletes think but maybe are afraid to say.

Eileen Gu is someone I follow on Instagram and we have interacted. I have never met her, but she speaks very well. It's obvious she's very intelligent. And then, obviously, it was a shame to see everything that happened with Lindsey, but I think, still, the fact that she took that leap of faith was inspiring. There were some stories I followed. And, obviously, the hockey, both women's and men's, was very interesting to watch. I had never seen hockey before, but I was watching it and got excited. Maybe I will become a fan.

Living at home with her parents because they can help her

It's no longer them helping me all the time, now it's actually the opposite. I enjoy being alone now, and there are times, because I have younger siblings, they say to me, "Are you staying the night here?" And I tell them, "No, I'm going to my bed." My dad is still very kind. He still takes care of my car. When I leave, I leave him the keys, and if it needs to go to the repair shop, he takes care of it. Or if the tire pressure is low, he handles it. My dad is very kind. But no, my mother doesn't wash my clothes anymore unless I'm literally sick, which hasn't happened to me. She does it at tournaments. When she's here and there's a laundromat, she does it, but not at home.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Coco Gauff: "Lo que está pasando con la guerra es lamentable"

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