Top Tennis Players Struggle in Middle East Tournaments Following Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff face setbacks in Doha and Dubai as fatigue and preparation issues take a toll.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated in early rounds in both Doha and Dubai, citing lack of focus, motivation, and physical struggles following the Australian Open.
Iga Swiatek, ranked No. 2, failed to defend her Qatar Open title and was later upset in the Dubai quarterfinals, attributing her losses to a demanding WTA calendar and insufficient preparation time.
Coco Gauff, fresh off a successful 2024 season, was knocked out early in both tournaments, with serving inconsistencies affecting her performance.
Sabalenka and Swiatek both expressed frustration with the challenges of transitioning between continents, surfaces, and tournament schedules after the Australian Open.
Madison Keys, who won the Australian Open, missed the Middle East swing due to injury but remains a rising contender as she prepares for Indian Wells.