Article by David Istrate – Published on Thursday, 19 March 2026, 11:11 / Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2026 11:12
Aryna Sabalenka (27, 1 WTA) appeared disturbed by the statements of Sarah Tahlak, the director of the Dubai tournament, who was unhappy with the last-minute withdrawals of the world leader and Igai Swiatek and stated that they should lose ranking points. The Belarusian said she is considering pulling out of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates from now on.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, two of the best tennis players in the world, did not participate in the tournament in Dubai, withdrawing at the last moment. Sarah Tahlak, the tournament director, harshly criticized the two players:
“The reasons for the withdrawals were a bit strange. Iga said she wasn't mentally ready to compete, while Sabalenka said she had some minor injuries. I don't know. I think there should be some harsher punishments for female players (no when they retire), not just fines, they should lose ranking points“, she explained, according to thenationalnews.com.
“I think a fine won't do anything. I think they should get points. Many years ago, Serena Williams retired and was fined $100,000. But what's $100,000? She was playing in other places and making a million dollars,” Tahlak added.
In another interview, the director of the Dubai tournament stated that the players should lose 500 or 1000 points and said that at the next meeting in Rome with WTA representatives, he will bring up the issue of last-minute withdrawals by players.
Aryna Sabalenka bothered by Sarah Tahlak's comments: 'I'm not sure if I want to go there again'
Ahead of the tournament in Miami, Aryna Sabalenka was asked about Tahlak's comments and had a firm reaction, quoted by The Guardian:
“It's ridiculous. I don't think he presented himself in the best way possible. It's really sad for me to see that tournament directors and tournaments don't protect us as players. They only care about sales, their tours and that's it. Her comment was ridiculous. Not sure if I want to go there again after his comment. It's too much for me.”
Then the Indian Wells champion explained her strategy for this season:
“At the beginning of this season, I decided we were going to prioritize my health and make sure we had these little breaks in the calendar where I could reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for the big tournaments. The calendar is crazy and that's why we see so many players injured, always bandaged and not delivering the best quality matches, because it's almost impossible.”
In Miami, Aryna Sabalenka will go straight into the second round and will face either Ann Li (25 years old, 39 WTA) or Kimberly Birrell (27 years old, 70 WTA).
