Dubai Championships

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.

27. februar 2026 Rapportert av AI

Daniil Medvedev advanced to the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals. The Russian third seed controlled the match from the baseline, improving his head-to-head record against the Canadian to 8-2. Medvedev will face Tallon Griekspoor on Saturday after the Dutchman upset Andrey Rublev.

Jessica Pegula claimed her 10th WTA title by beating Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-4 in the Dubai Tennis Championships final on Saturday. The American fourth seed secured her fourth WTA 1000 crown in a match lasting 72 minutes. Pegula described the victory as the perfect early birthday present ahead of turning 32 on February 24.

21. februar 2026 Rapportert av AI

Eighteen-year-old Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva has identified Novak Djokovic as her ultimate role model, citing his discipline and resilience. In a recent interview, she detailed her admiration amid struggles in the Dubai Tennis Championships. Andreeva draws parallels between her emotional challenges and Djokovic's early career setbacks.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak has criticized the late withdrawals of top players Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka from the Dubai Tennis Championships, demanding stricter penalties including loss of ranking points. Swiatek cited a change of schedule, while Sabalenka mentioned a minor hip injury. Tahlak described the reasons as strange and argued that fines alone are insufficient to deter such actions.

15. februar 2026 Rapportert av AI

Several high-profile players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek, have withdrawn from the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Tournament director Salah Tahlak has urged the WTA to impose ranking point deductions for late withdrawals instead of fines. The absences, cited for injuries, illness, and fatigue, have reshaped the draw with Elena Rybakina as the top seed.