World number one 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. "I think it's ridiculous," Belarusian Sabalenka told reporters at the Miami Open on Tuesday. For me, it's actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments not protecting us as players. World number four Coco Gauff urged a more understanding view of Swiatek and Sabalenka pulling out of Dubai. I completely understand why she [Sabalenka] would feel like that because the comments were unnecessary."

Source: Irish Independent March 18, 2026 19:05 UTC