World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka criticized Dubai Tennis Championships director Salah Tahlak for his comments on her and Iga Swiatek's withdrawals, hinting she may skip the event in future. She described his remarks as excessive during a press conference in Miami. The exchange highlights tensions over the WTA schedule and player welfare.
Aryna Sabalenka responded sharply to Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak's criticism of her withdrawal from the Dubai Tennis Championships last month. Tahlak had questioned the reasons for her and Iga Swiatek's late pullouts and called for harsher punishments, including potential ranking point deductions. In her pre-tournament press conference in Miami on March 17, 2026, Sabalenka said, “I don’t think he showed himself in the best way possible.” She added, “For me, it’s actually so sad to see that the tournament directors are not protecting us as a player. They just are about their (sales), their tournament, and that is it. I’m not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me, it’s too much.” Sabalenka withdrew due to a hip issue, a decision that allowed her to win the Indian Wells title against Elena Rybakina. Upon announcing her Dubai withdrawal, she noted, “I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 per cent. But I hope to be back next year.” Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys also withdrew from the event. Sabalenka highlighted scheduling pressures: “We have these little gaps in the schedule where I can just reset, recharge... I feel like scheduling is going crazy.” Support came from others, including Andy Roddick, who questioned deducting ranking points, and Coco Gauff, who said, “Do I think players should lose points? Honestly, I don’t.” Under WTA rules, top players face fines and ranking penalties for missing mandatory events.
