Aryna Sabalenka unsure of Dubai tournament return after criticism over withdrawal

Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek were among several players ruled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes. Read more at straitstimes.com.

MIAMI – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said that she is unsure about her return to the Dubai Championships after its tournament director criticised her withdrawal this year, labelling the demand for tougher penalties on late pullouts a “ridiculous” idea.

Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek were among several players ruled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes, leaving lucky losers to fill the depleted main draw in Dubai and taking gloss off the WTA 1000 event only below the Grand Slams in stature.

The Belarusian cited a minor hip injury when she pulled out of the tournament in February, before the US-Israeli war with Iran sparked chaos in the region.

At the time, Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak told The National news outlet that Sabalenka and Swiatek pulling out had been an “unfortunate surprise” for the organisers and sought strict action for late withdrawals with ranking points being docked.

“I think it's ridiculous,” Sabalenka told reporters at the Miami Open on March 17.

“I don’t think he showed himself in the best way possible. For me, it’s actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments are not protecting us as players. They just care about their (sales), about their tournament and that’s it.