During the ongoing Middle East swing of the Tour, professional tennis players Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova took a moment to share heartfelt Galentine’s Day messages. Celebrated annually on February 13, Galentine’s Day recognizes the value of women’s friendships just before Valentine’s Day.
The players were participating in the 2026 Qatar Open as part of this swing. Both Gauff and Anisimova were seeded and started their matches in the second round, having received first-round byes.
Details of Performances at the 2026 Qatar Open
At the Qatar Open, Gauff was seeded fourth but experienced an early exit in her opening match, losing to lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, 4-6, 2-6. Anisimova, seeded fifth, faced Karolína Plíšková but had to retire during the third set with the match score at 7-6, 7-6(3), 1-4, due to illness.
During a media session in Doha, the two players participated in a special segment to send Galentine’s Day greetings to their fellow Tour members. Anisimova expressed a warm message to Gauff, which the World No. 5 described as “super sweet.”
Thanks, Amanda! So nice.
“Keep spreading the joy. From me to you,
Aww, that’s super sweet. I feel like Amanda’s been smiling a lot more off-court. I feel like she’s happier. Oh my God, my handwriting is so bad guys,”
Coco Gauff said.
Other Players Join in Galentine’s Day Celebrations
Leylah Fernandez also took part in the Galentine’s Day messages, directing her words to Victoria Mboko. Fernandez complimented Mboko as both an “amazing friend” and a “wonderful person.”
From Leylah, “I like you more than pizza.
I love that.
You are an amazing friend and a wonderful person. Keep smiling and spreading love on and off the court. Aww, can I keep it?
Victoria Mboko responded.
Before the Qatar Open, both Gauff and Anisimova competed at the Australian Open, where their runs ended in the quarterfinals. Gauff was defeated by Elina Svitolina, while Anisimova lost to Jessica Pegula.
Upcoming Tournaments: Focus Shifts to Dubai Tennis Championships
Looking forward, Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova are set to participate in the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, scheduled from February 15 to 21, 2026. Matches will take place on outdoor hard courts at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This WTA 1000 event will feature prominent players including defending champion Mirra Andreeva, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Elina Svitolina, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Belinda Bencic, Emma Navarro, and Victoria Mboko.
In last year’s Dubai Championships, Gauff was the third seed and began her campaign in the second round due to a bye, yet was defeated by compatriot McCartney Kessler 4-6, 5-7. Anisimova also faced Kessler in the first round but was eliminated by a 6-2, 6-3 scoreline.
Significance of Galentine’s Day Messages in the Tennis Community
The exchange of Galentine’s Day messages between Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff highlights the camaraderie and support shared among players during an often physically and emotionally demanding Tour. Such moments of positivity are vital for maintaining mental well-being amid intense competition and scheduling stresses.
As both athletes prepare for upcoming high-stakes tournaments like the Dubai Tennis Championships, these messages symbolize not only friendship but also the resilience needed to sustain performance at the elite level.
Galentine’s on tour 💌 pic.twitter.com/AdvaBwkSY0
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 11, 2026
