Aryna Sabalenka and former world number one Iga Swiatek withdrew from the prestigious Dubai Tennis Championships on February 13, just two days before the tournament’s start.
Fotó: RICH STORRY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
Why Did Aryna Sabalenka Speak Out?
Tournament director Salah Tahlak subsequently issued a sharp critique of the players, even suggesting they should face ranking point deductions.
Sabalenka didn’t let the comments stand. The four-time Grand Slam champion stated that the tournament director “didn’t show his best face,” and expressed particular disappointment that tournament organizers didn’t prioritize the interests of the players.
“It’s sad to see that tournaments don’t protect us. They only care about sales and their own event.”
– Sabalenka stated, adding
that she didn’t rule out not returning to Dubai in the future. “For me, it’s too much.”
The world number two, however, returned to form quickly: she won the Indian Wells tournament on Sunday, her first competition since losing in the Australian Open final in January. She explained that the withdrawal was a deliberate decision to preserve her health.
“Before the season, we decided to prioritize my health. Breaks are needed to recover and prepare better for the big tournaments.”
– she explained.
A congested tournament schedule, effectively lasting 11 months, is becoming an increasing problem for tennis players. Sabalenka believes this is also the reason why many players struggle with injuries and can’t perform at their best.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff also voiced her support. The American player emphasized that neither Sabalenka nor Swiatek’s decision was personal against the tournament.
“We try to perform the calendar as best as possible, but it’s very difficult. I completely understand how she feels. The comments were unnecessary.”
The incident has once again focused attention on a long-standing issue in professional tennis: the overstretched tournament calendar, which places increasing strain on players and often forces them to make difficult decisions. The Dubai Open is a WTA 1000 event, a significant tier in the women’s professional tour, making the withdrawals particularly noteworthy.
