Google News Felix Auger-Aliassime: Doha, Dubai provide good preparation for Indian Wells
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3171
Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime reveals he is a fan of the Middle East swing as he believes Doha and Dubai are really good places to prepare for Indian Wells. In the last two weeks, Auger-Aliassime went to the Middle East for an ATP 250 event in Doha and an ATP 500 event in Dubai.
Auger-Aliassime reached the semifinal in Doha, while he was beaten in the Dubai round-of-16. 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 it (the schedule) stays that way, will try and 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 more outside leading to Indian Wells. I feel like these conditions here, not so humid, dry, could resemble a bit Indian Wells. I feel like it’s good preparation for what’s to come as well.
A few reasons, but for sure the scheduling and the temperature and environment is the main cause," Auger-Aliassime told Reem Abulleil of Arab News.
Why Auger-Aliassime, Daria Kasatkina love the Middle East swing
Auger-Aliassime is not the first tennis star that has spoken positively about the Middle East swing.
On the WTA Tour, the Middle East swing features one more tournament - Abu Dhabi. This past February, three Middle East WTA tournaments took place in as many weeks - Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. While world No 8 Kasatkina was in Doha, she told Reem Abulleil of Arab News that having tournaments "in the same country or region" makes the life a lot easier for players because they don't have to worry about different time zones, jetlag, etc.
Now, Auger-Aliassime, Kasatkina and the biggest names of the game are set to compete in Indian Wells and Miami.
