Aryna Sabalenka criticizes the Dubai tournament director and hints at not returning.

Aryna Sabalenka Questions Return to Dubai Championships

Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis player, expressed uncertainty about returning to the Dubai Championships after facing criticism from tournament director Salah Tahraq regarding her recent withdrawal.

During a press conference on Tuesday prior to the Miami Open, Sabalenka addressed Tahraq’s remarks suggesting that she and fellow player Iga Swiatek should face a point deduction for missing the tournament. She described his comments as an “unfortunate surprise.”

“I don’t know if I want to go back there after his comments. It feels overwhelming,” Sabalenka remarked, calling Tahraq’s perspective “ridiculous” and stating that he didn’t articulate his thoughts “in the best possible way.”

She noted, “It’s amusing, yet also quite sad to see tournament directors not protecting us as players. Their focus seems to be more on sales than on the well-being of the competitors.”

At the time of her withdrawal, Sabalenka cited health concerns, saying, “I don’t feel 100%.” She withdrew just two days before the WTA 1000 event in Dubai, a tournament where Tahraq had competed for the past nine years.

Swiatek, currently ranked second, was also absent due to changes in her schedule.

In mid-February, Tahraq expressed disappointment over the duo’s withdrawal, remarking that their reasons seemed “a little strange.” He highlighted that Swiatek mentioned not feeling mentally prepared, while Sabalenka referred to a minor injury. “I believe that those who miss out should face stricter penalties, including deductions in their ranking points,” he stated.

WTA 1000 events can incur ranking penalties for missed participation.

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, noted in January her plan to miss several WTA events.

According to the WTA’s regulations, players must participate in four Grand Slam tournaments, six WTA 500 tournaments, and ten WTA 1000 tournaments within a given time period.

Fresh off a victory at the Indian Wells Championship, Sabalenka is set to defend her title at the Miami Open, beginning Wednesday. In her first match, she will compete against either American Ang Lee or Australia’s Kimberly Birrell.