Aryna Sabalenka may skip Dubai event after director's criticism

Aryna Sabalenka didn't mince words when asked about Dubai this week, saying criticism tied to her February withdrawal has left her questioning whether she'll return to the event at all.

"I'm not sure if I ever want to go back there after his comment. For me it's too much," the world No. 1 said Tuesday at the Miami Open.

Sabalenka's frustration stems from remarks by Dubai Tennis Championships tournament director Salah Tahlak after she and Iga Swiatek pulled out of the WTA 1000 event in February.

"It was an unfortunate surprise last night to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga," Tahlak told The National in February. "And the reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange. Iga said she wasn't mentally ready to compete, while Sabalenka said she has some minor injuries. I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players (for withdrawing). Not just fines -- they should be docked ranking points."

In Miami, Sabalenka called that stance "ridiculous" and said it reflects a bigger disconnect between tournaments and the players they rely on.

"For me it's so funny -- not so ‘funny,' it's actually so sad -- to see that the tournament director and the tournaments are not protecting us, as the players," she said. "They just care about their sellings, about their tournament, and that's it."

Sabalenka framed her decision to skip Dubai as part of a deliberate shift to protect her body in a calendar she believes is becoming unsustainably packed.

"I feel like scheduling, it's too crazy," she said, explaining the need for planned gaps to "reset, recharge" and build toward the biggest events.

The WTA echoed this concern in a statement, saying: "Athlete well-being is a top priority for the WTA," and noting the formation of a Tour Architecture Council with recommendations to be put into action as soon as the 2027 season.

If Sabalenka were to follow through and skip Dubai going forward, it wouldn't be a simple calendar tweak. WTA 1000s are mandatory events, and missing one results in an immediate ranking hit because a player receives zero points for that tournament week. It's part of the structure the WTA uses to keep top players in its biggest non-Slam fields. Elite players are required to play the four majors, a set number of WTA 500s, and all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments.

For now, Sabalenka is focused on Miami -- but her message to Dubai was clear. If the cost of prioritizing health is public scolding, she's willing to take her schedule elsewhere.

--Field Level Media