Overview
- Speaking at the Miami Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka called Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak’s proposal to dock ranking points for late pullouts “ridiculous” and said she may not return to the event.
- Salah Tahlak made the comments after Dubai’s women’s field was heavily thinned, with reports of roughly 16 main‑draw withdrawals before play.
- Sabalenka withdrew from Dubai citing a minor hip issue after practicing in the city two days earlier, while Iga Swiatek skipped due to a schedule change.
- Coco Gauff publicly supported Sabalenka’s stance, urging understanding for player decisions in an 11‑month season that has seen mounting injuries.
- Mandatory‑event penalties such as fines and zero‑point entries remain in effect under current WTA rules, even as a Jessica Pegula‑chaired Tour Architecture Council begins a broader review.