Coco Gauff speaks out as coach trapped by 'unnecessary' violence in Middle East
World no.4 Coco Gauff has expressed concerns about the safety of her coach after confirming he is the latest tennis sportsperson to be stuck in the Middle East.
Following rising tensions between the US and Iran, the Trump administration confirmed on Saturday that it had launched a 'major combat operation' against Iran.
The US President later called for citizens to overthrow the country's supreme leader, prompting a response from Iran in the form of missiles and drones being fired at its Arab neighbours.
Iran's response has caused major concerns about the safety of those currently in several Middle Eastern countries and caused major disruption to several sports.
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Tennis is just one of the sports that has been majorly impacted by the conflict, with two-time Grand Slam champion winner Gauff revealing that she is worried about the safety of her coach as he remains 'stuck' in Dubai.
Gauff is currently in California as she prepares to compete in her opening match at the the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, with main draw matches starting today.
However, it appears that the 21-year-old may have to take part in the tournament without her coach Gavin MacMillan, as she's revealed that he is stuck in Dubai due to the ongoing conflict in the area.
Speaking in a pre-tournament press conference, she said: "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.
"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.
"I am thankful that I was able to get out of that before things turned to where it is now."
Gauff has been working with MacMillan, a technique coach who previously worked with current world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka, since August 2025.
Tennis trio trapped in Dubai ahead Indian Wells men’s tournament finally escape
Unfortunately, MacMillan is far from the only tennis figure that has been stuck in Dubai due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Medvedev, Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev were also trapped in the UAE capital city just days before they are set to compete in Miami at Indian Wells.
Concerns were raised about the trio, who are seeded 11th, 16th and 17th respectively, being able to compete as they are all stuck in Dubai following the ATP 500 event, which Medvedev won, last week.
Thankfully, the three players have since been able to escape Dubai and hope to the US in time for the Indian Wells Open.
The ATP confirmed that in total, more than 40 players, staff, officials and journalists were stuck in Dubai, including the Russian trio.
Topics: Tennis
Ben McCrum