“They should be docked ranking points”: Dubai chief after ‘strange’ Sabalenka and Swiatek withdrawals

The director of the Dubai Tennis Championships has called for ranking points to be deducted from players who withdraw late from mandatory events, arguing that financial penalties alone are ineffective. Salah Tahlak made the comments after world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek pulled out of the WTA 1000 tournament.

Sabalenka announced on Friday that she would not compete because she was “not feeling 100%.” Swiatek cited a change of schedule as the reason for her absence. Under WTA rules, players may skip a mandatory WTA 1000 event due to a schedule adjustment up to three times per season, receiving zero ranking points but no fine.

Tahlak described the absence of the Tour’s two highest-ranked players as unexpected, particularly given the tournament’s status and investment. The Dubai event remains one of the flagship WTA 1000 stops on the calendar, requiring participation from top players unless valid medical exemptions or approved schedule changes apply.

Current regulations obligate leading players to contest four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, six WTA 500 events and the WTA Finals if qualified. Both Sabalenka and Swiatek have previously criticised the density of the calendar and have accepted ranking-point consequences in order to prioritise recovery and long-term health.

Tahlak said the explanations behind the withdrawals raised concerns and questioned whether the existing system adequately protects tournaments that commit substantial financial resources to host elite events. “It was an unfortunate surprise last night to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga. And the reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange. Iga said she wasn’t mentally ready to compete, while Sabalenka said she has some minor injuries.”

He added that fines do not act as a sufficient deterrent for top-ranked players with significant prize money and endorsement income. Instead, he argued that sporting consequences would have greater impact within a ranking-based system. “So I don’t know. I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players [for withdrawing], not just fines, they should be docked ranking points.”

Tahlak said he had sought clarification from tournament medical staff regarding the severity of Sabalenka’s condition, suggesting the injury described did not appear to necessitate withdrawal from competition. “I even asked the [tournament] doctor, what is the injury? He said it’s a minor injury, not one that would force her to withdraw from the tournament. And for Iga, I asked, ‘Isn’t this a strange decision?’”

Sabalenka has openly acknowledged the strain of a packed schedule. Speaking last month at the Brisbane International, she reflected on the physical consequences of overplaying during the previous campaign. “I struggled last season, where some of the tournaments I played really sick or really exhausted from over-playing,” Sabalenka said.

“This season we will try to manage it a little bit better, even though they may fine me by the end of the season. It is tricky to do that. You cannot skip a 1000 event. It is really tricky.”

Tahlak indicated that the issue will be raised formally at an upcoming meeting in Rome, where tournament representatives are scheduled to meet with the WTA to discuss calendar and regulatory matters. “I feel they should deduct points from the players. A monetary fine won’t help. Many years ago, Serena Williams withdrew and was fined $100,000. But what is $100,000? She would play someplace else and make $1,000,000. So the fine isn’t a big deal.”

“We have a meeting coming up in Rome and I want to shed light on this issue. We have a representative on behalf of the international group [of tournaments] to speak for us with the WTA. Because it’s a shame that we’re spending these huge amounts to upgrade our facilities and in the end the players are the main part (of this tournament).”

Dubai’s draw still features 16 of the world’s top 20 players, led this week by Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff as the highest seeds. Defending champion Mirra Andreeva returns after defeating Clara Tauson in last year’s final, underscoring the tournament’s competitive depth despite the high-profile absences.