“I’m not sure if I ever want to go there”: Aryna Sabalenka hits out at Dubai tournament director

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 02:30

Aryna Sabalenka has criticised the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships tournament director following comments about player withdrawals, suggesting she may reconsider competing at the event in the future. Speaking during her pre-tournament press conference at the Miami Open, the World No. 1 expressed frustration with how players are treated when managing their schedules.

The Belarusian had withdrawn from both Doha and Dubai earlier this season, decisions that were later questioned publicly by tournament director Salah Tahlak. His remarks included suggestions that players should face stricter penalties, including potential ranking points deductions, for last-minute withdrawals.

Sabalenka responded directly to those comments, describing them as inappropriate and highlighting what she sees as a broader issue within the sport. The 2026 Indian Wells champion, who opted for a reduced schedule in February, defended her approach as part of a long-term strategy focused on maintaining performance levels and avoiding injury in an increasingly demanding calendar.

Sabalenka criticises tournament response to withdrawals

Sabalenka’s response centred on what she described as a lack of support from tournament officials when players make decisions related to their health and workload. The World No. 1 argued that the reaction from the Dubai tournament leadership failed to reflect the realities of the modern tennis calendar.

She was particularly critical of the tone and content of the comments made following her withdrawal, suggesting they did not align with the responsibilities of organisers toward players.

“I think it’s ridiculous. 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 a player. They just care about their sellings, about their tournament and that’s it. His comment was ridiculous.”

Sabalenka went further, indicating that the situation could affect her future participation in the event, underlining the strength of her reaction to the controversy. “I’m not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me it’s too much.”

Scheduling concerns and player workload

Beyond the immediate dispute, Sabalenka used the opportunity to highlight broader concerns about the demands of the tennis calendar. The Belarusian pointed to the increasing physical strain on players and the impact it has on performance levels across the tour.

Her decision to skip tournaments in February, including two WTA 1000 events, was framed as part of a deliberate strategy to manage her condition throughout the season. “Going into this season, we decided we were going to prioritise my health and make sure that we have these little gaps in the schedule where I can just reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments.”

Sabalenka also suggested that the intensity of the schedule is contributing to a rise in injuries and a decline in match quality, reinforcing her argument that player welfare should be prioritised more strongly by governing bodies and tournament organisers. “I feel like scheduling is going crazy and I feel like that’s why you see so many players are injured, always taped and not delivering the best quality matches because it’s almost impossible.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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