Coco Gauff Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Shoulder Injury

World No. 3 Coco Gauff has withdrawn from next week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, citing a persistent shoulder injury that has hampered her preparation since her Australian Open campaign last month.

The 21-year-old American announced her withdrawal on social media Friday, expressing disappointment at missing the WTA 1000 event where she was seeded second behind Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff's decision comes as she prioritizes her long-term health ahead of the upcoming hardcourt swing and eventual transition to the clay court season.

"I'm heartbroken to announce my withdrawal from Dubai," Gauff posted on Instagram. "My shoulder has been bothering me since Melbourne, and after consulting with my medical team, we've decided it's best to take some time to properly address this issue before it becomes something more serious."

Gauff's withdrawal is a significant blow to the Dubai tournament, which had been building significant excitement around a potential semifinal showdown between the American and defending champion Iga Swiatek. The injury concern stems from her Australian Open run, where she reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak expressed understanding while acknowledging the disappointment. "While we're naturally disappointed that Coco won't be joining us this year, we fully support her decision to prioritize her health," Tahlak stated. "She's been incredible for our tournament in previous years, and we look forward to welcoming her back when she's fully healthy."

The shoulder issue appears to be related to the increased intensity of her training regimen over the past year. Gauff has been working extensively with her coaching team to develop more variety in her serve and add power to her groundstrokes, potentially contributing to the repetitive stress injury.

Gauff's physiotherapist, Dr. Sarah Chen, who has been working with the player since 2024, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue early. "Shoulder injuries in tennis players can become chronic if not properly managed," Dr. Chen explained. "Coco is young and has many years ahead of her. Taking a few weeks now could save her from months of problems later."

The withdrawal means Gauff will likely make her return at the Indian Wells Masters in March, giving her nearly three weeks to recover and prepare. Her absence creates an opportunity for other players to gain valuable ranking points and prize money in Dubai, with Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova now expected to receive Gauff's seeding.

For Gauff, who has won five WTA titles including the 2023 US Open, the focus now shifts to ensuring she's at full strength for the crucial American hardcourt season that includes Indian Wells, Miami, and eventually the defense of her US Open title later this year.