World number one tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, has expressed uncertainty about her return to the Dubai Championships following criticism from the tournament director, Salah Tahlak, who called for tougher penalties on late pullouts a "ridiculous" idea. Sabaleenka had withdrawn due to a minor hip injury and cited the U.S.-Israeli war as the reason for her withdrawal. Tahlaks had previously stated that Sabalanka and fellow players Iga Swiatek pulling out of the tournament had been an "unfortunate surprise" for the organisers and sought stricter action for late withdrawals. World number four Coco Gauff urged a more understanding view of the incident, stating that the comments were unnecessary.