Coco Gauff has welcomed the decision to move the WTA Finals to Indian Wells, California, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but expressed a desire for the season-ending tournament to find a more permanent venue after shifting locations frequently in recent years.
Relocation Announced
The WTA announced on Wednesday that the November 8-15 event would be relocated from Riyadh, prematurely ending a three-year hosting agreement signed in 2024. The 2026 edition is set to take place in the United States. Gauff, who won the tournament in the Saudi capital two years ago, acknowledged the benefits of bringing elite tennis to new audiences but had no complaints about the change.
Gauff's Reaction
Speaking to reporters at Wimbledon, Gauff said, "I'm really biased, so I'm really happy it's in the U.S. As an American, it's cool." She noted the unusual prospect of playing in the Californian desert in November instead of the usual March stop on the women's tour. "It's going to be weird going to be in Indian Wells in November. I'm very curious if we're going to be playing in the night or the day. I hope the day, because I feel it's going to be a little chilly at night."
Memories of Saudi Arabia
Reflecting on her experience in Riyadh, Gauff said, "Obviously I have great memories in Saudi, playing and winning my title there two years ago. We had a warm reception from them. It was really cool just to bring I think the first women's professional tennis event being held there." The tournament has also been hosted by Shenzhen, Guadalajara, Fort Worth, and Cancun since 2019. Gauff added, "I definitely would like to see a more permanent home for it."
Pegula's Comments
Fellow American Jessica Pegula commented on the ongoing instability of the WTA Finals venue, saying, "The saga of the WTA Finals continues. It's like we can't catch a break, and I don't necessarily think it's our fault. There tends to be a lot of world conflicts that seem to happen and get in the way." Pegula suggested that geopolitical factors, including the conflict in the Middle East, may have contributed to the frequent relocations.
