Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime reveals that he is a fan of the Middle Eastern swing, as he believes that Doha and Dubai are really good places to prepare for Indian Wells. In the past two weeks, Auger-Aliassime has traveled to the Middle East for an ATP 250 event in Doha and an ATP 500 event in Dubai.
Auger-Aliassime reached the semi-final in Doha, while he was beaten in the round of 16 in Dubai. This March, Auger-Aliassime is set to compete in the Sunshine Double. “I feel like it’s a good swing. I feel like most players in the future, if (the schedule) stays like this, will try to play that just because we don’t have to travel a lot between Doha and Dubai.
Similar conditions, which is very convenient. I wanted to play outside more, which led me to Indian Wells. I feel like these conditions here, not so wet, dry, could be a bit like Indian Wells. I feel like it’s also a good preparation for what’s to come.
A few reasons, but for sure the timing and the temperature and the environment are the main cause,» Auger-Aliassime said. Reem Abulleil from Arab News.
Why Auger-Aliassime and Daria Kasatkina love Middle Eastern swing
Auger-Aliassime is not the first tennis star to speak positively about the Middle East tour.
On the WTA Tour, the swing from the Middle East presents one more tournament: Abu Dhabi. Last February, three WTA Middle East tournaments took place in as many weeks: Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. While world number 8 Kasatkina was in Doha, she told Arab News’ Reem Abulleil that having tournaments «in the same country or region» makes life much easier for players because they don’t have to worry about the different time zones, jet lag, etc.
Now Auger-Aliassime, Kasatkina and the biggest names in the game are set to compete in Indian Wells and Miami.
