Sabalenka Slams Dubai Open Exit Criticism as Ridiculous

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has strongly criticised the response to her withdrawal from the Dubai Championships, calling suggestions of stricter penalties “ridiculous” and unfair to players.

Sabalenka, along with Iga Swiatek, pulled out of the tournament due to injury, illness, and scheduling concerns. Their absence affected the competition, with several lower-ranked “lucky loser” players filling spots in the main draw of the WTA 1000 event.

The Belarusian star had cited a minor hip injury as the reason for her withdrawal. However, Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak later described the last-minute pullouts as an “unfortunate surprise” and called for stricter penalties, including docking ranking points.

Responding at the Miami Open, Sabalenka said the comments were disappointing and showed a lack of support for players.

She said tournament organisers seem more focused on sales and event success rather than player well-being. Sabalenka added that the remarks have made her unsure about returning to Dubai in the future.

Under current WTA rules, top players are required to participate in Grand Slams, WTA 1000, and selected WTA 500 events. Missing these tournaments can lead to fines or ranking penalties.

World number four Coco Gauff supported Sabalenka, saying the withdrawals were not personal and that players are doing their best to manage a demanding schedule. She also described the criticism as unnecessary.

The issue has again highlighted concerns over the long and intense tennis calendar, which runs for nearly 11 months. Many players have struggled with injuries and fatigue, especially during busy parts of the season.

Sabalenka said she has decided to prioritise her health this year by taking breaks between tournaments to stay fit and perform better in major events. She warned that the current schedule is “going crazy” and is a key reason behind frequent injuries and reduced match quality.