Top Players Withdraw from Dubai Tennis Championships

Feb 16, 2026

57 min

Feb 16, 2026 09:33

Upset surrounding Dubai Tennis Championships: World’s top two pull out

## Major Withdrawals

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships faced a setback as top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek withdrew just days before the event. Sabalenka, who had already missed the Qatar Open, cited a right hip injury. Swiatek, who recently lost in the Doha quarter-finals, attributed her withdrawal to a scheduling change.

## Tournament Director's Concerns

Salah Tahlak, the tournament director, expressed disappointment over the withdrawals, questioning the current system's effectiveness in protecting tournaments that invest heavily in hosting top-tier events. Tahlak suggested that penalties for players who withdraw should be more severe than just fines, proposing the deduction of ranking points.

## Player Schedule Challenges

Both Sabalenka and Swiatek have previously voiced concerns about the demanding schedule, sometimes opting to accept ranking-point penalties to focus on recovery. Current rules require top players to participate in numerous events, but they can withdraw up to three times a season without financial penalties if they cite a schedule change.

## Future Discussions

Tahlak plans to address these issues at an upcoming meeting in Rome, aiming to advocate for changes that better support tournaments and ensure player participation.

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