World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka said she is unsure about her return to the Dubai Championships after its tournament director criticised her withdrawal this year, labelling the demand for tougher penalties on late pullouts a “ridiculous” idea.
Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek were among several players ruled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes, leaving lucky losers to fill the depleted main draw in Dubai and taking gloss off the WTA 1000 event only below the Grand Slams in stature.
Sabalenka cited a minor hip injury when she pulled out of the tournament last month, before the US-Israeli war with Iran sparked chaos in the region.
At the time, Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak said that Sabalenka and Swiatek pulling out had been an “unfortunate surprise” for the organisers and sought strict action for late withdrawals with ranking points being docked.
”I think it’s ridiculous,” Belarusian Sabalenka told reporters at the Miami Open on Tuesday.
”I don’t think he showed himself in the best way possible. For me it’s actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments are not protecting us as players. They just care about their (sales), about their tournament and that’s it.
”His comment was ridiculous. I’m not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me it’s too much.”
Dubai tourney: Sabalenka unsure of return after criticism over withdrawal
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