Two of the world’s leading female tennis players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, have withdrawn from this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Sabalenka pulls out
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who reached her fourth Australian Open final last month, has competed at Dubai’s WTA 1000 event for the past nine years. She said:
“I’m really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai. I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 per cent. But I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”
Swiatek cites schedule
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek also withdrew due to a change in her schedule. The Polish player reached the Dubai final in 2023. She said:
“I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule. I hope I will come back next year to experience the great tournament. See you guys in Indian Wells.”
An official statement from the event organisers read:
“We are sorry that Aryna and Iga have both withdrawn from this year’s tournament. They both have huge amounts of followers here in Dubai, and we were looking forward to seeing them competing on our courts once again. We wish them continued success for the season and look forward to seeing them back in Dubai next year.”
The 26th edition of the WTA event runs from February 15 to 21 and features 16 of the top 20 female players and 33 of the top 40. It will be followed by Dubai’s ATP 500 men’s tournament from February 23 to 28.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
