Coco Gauff criticizes war: "What's happening is unfortunate, there's a lot of unnecessary violence"

World number four tennis player Coco Gauff expressed her concern about the situation following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. "First of all, what's happening is unfortunate and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected and the innocent lives that are being lost," said the American, who is playing in Indian Wells this week.

Gauff, whose coach was one of those who got stuck in Dubai after the tournament played there, expressed her "I'm grateful to have been able to get out of that situation before things got to where they are now. I think there are a lot of unfortunate circumstances that are happening right now".

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and the innocent lives that are being lost

Coco Gauff

The conflict in the area has spilled over into the tennis world. In addition to the players and ATP workers, as well as some coaches, who were trapped in Dubai when the airspace was closed, another competition in the United Arab Emirates, an ATP Challenger, was abruptly suspended and then cancelled due to a security alert, forcing players and staff to flee the courts to designated safe areas.