Aryna Sabalenka blasts Dubai tournament director — and threatens to never go back
By Jenna Lemoncelli
Published on March 18, 2026.
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has threatened to never return to the Dubai Championships after criticism from tournament director Salah Tahlak over her late withdrawal from the tournament. Tahlaka had suggested that Sabalanka and fellow tennis player Iga Swiatek should be docked ranking points for withdrawing from the Dubai championships. Sabaleenka called Tahlakia's comments "ridiculous" and "sad" that tournaments are not protecting their players as they are. The four-time Grand Slam winner has previously commented on the "insane" WTA schedule, stating she had planned on skipping some WTA events.
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