Gauff backs WTA Finals move to Indian Wells, hopes for lasting home

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals will relocate to Indian Wells, California, for this year's November 8-15 tournament, cutting short a three-year hosting agreement with Saudi Arabia. The event is slated for a permanent home in the United States starting in 2026.

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I'm really biased, so I'm really happy it's in the U.S. As an American, it's cool.

American player Coco Gauff welcomed the move, expressing bias towards an event held in her home country. "As an American, it's cool," Gauff told reporters at Wimbledon. "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."

Gauff, who won the tournament in Riyadh two years ago, acknowledged the positive reception in Saudi Arabia and the significance of bringing professional women's tennis there for the first time. However, she also voiced a desire for more stability. "I definitely would like to see a more permanent home for it," she added.

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I definitely would like to see a more permanent home for it.

Compatriot Jessica Pegula echoed the sentiment, referring to the WTA Finals' history of venue changes as a "saga." She suggested that global conflicts might have contributed to the instability. "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 said. She noted that Indian Wells was a viable option due to its established infrastructure for hosting top-tier events.

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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.