Top Stars Sabalenka & Swiatek Withdraw from Dubai Tennis 2026

Dubai: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026 will miss its biggest stars as World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and No.2 Iga Swiatek have withdrawn from the tournament.

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has been a regular at Dubai for nine years and recently reached the Australian Open final. She said, “I’m really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai. I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans, and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 per cent. I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”

Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who was last year’s runner-up, also pulled out due to a schedule change. She said, “I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule. I hope to come back next year and experience the great tournament. I will see fans in Indian Wells.”

Tournament organisers expressed regret over the withdrawals. “We were looking forward to seeing Aryna and Iga on our courts once again. We wish them continued success this season and look forward to welcoming them back next year,” a statement said.

Despite the absence of the top two players, the 26th edition of the WTA 1000 event, running from February 15 to 21, will still feature 16 of the top 20 female players and 33 of the top 40. The tournament will be followed by Dubai’s annual ATP 500 men’s event from February 23 to 28.