Coco Gauff Secures Dubai Quarter-Final Berth Amid Political Commentary
London, 19 February 2026 – American tennis star Coco Gauff has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships following a series of high-intensity matches. While her on-court resilience has been the focal point of the tournament, the 21-year-old has also drawn international attention for her candid remarks regarding the current political climate and immigration enforcement in the United States.
Resilient Performance in Dubai
Gauff’s path to the final eight has been defined by grit rather than clinical precision. In a standout round-of-16 encounter, the world number 5 saved three match points to defeat world number 22 Elise Mertens with a scoreline of 2-6, 7-6 (9), 6-3. The match, which lasted over three and a half hours, saw Gauff overcome 16 double faults to secure the win. This victory followed a second-round win over Anna Kalinskaya (6-4, 6-4), avenging a previous loss to the same opponent at this event in 2024.
By reaching the round of 16 in Dubai, Gauff achieved a significant statistical milestone, marking her 31st appearance in the latter stages of a WTA 1000 event. This achievement moves her past the career mark set by Maria Sharapova (30) for such appearances.
Stance on Domestic Issues
Outside of the lines, Gauff has utilised her platform in Dubai to address the social unrest currently affecting the United States. Speaking to reporters on 16 February 2026, Gauff expressed her distress over reports of an immigration crackdown and domestic protests. “I don’t think people should be dying in the streets just for existing,” Gauff stated, joining several other American athletes in speaking out on human rights and political issues while competing abroad.
Key Career Statistics
Following her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2025, Gauff has continued to solidify her position at the top of the women’s game. The following table outlines her professional standing as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Singles Titles | 11 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 2 (US Open 2023, Roland Garros 2025) |
| Career Win-Loss Record | 277–114 |
| 2026 Prize Money (YTD) | £824,400 ($1,071,715) |
| Highest Career Ranking | No. 2 (Reached 10 June 2024) |
| Current WTA 1000 Milestone | 31 Round of 16 Appearances |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Coco Gauff playing next in Dubai?
Coco Gauff is scheduled to face Alexandra “Alex” Eala in the quarter-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
How many Grand Slams has Coco Gauff won?
As of February 2026, Gauff has won two Grand Slam singles titles: the US Open in 2023 and Roland Garros in 2025.
What was the result of Gauff’s last match?
Gauff defeated Elise Mertens in the round of 16 in Dubai, winning 2-1 in sets (2-6, 7-6, 6-3) after saving three match points.
What did Coco Gauff say about the US political situation?
Gauff expressed that she finds it “tough” to see news of immigration crackdowns and stated that people should not be dying in the streets for existing, asserting her right to speak on social issues.