'It's too much': Sabalenka responds to withdrawal criticism, hints at never playing in Dubai again

(Getty/Rich Storry)

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka admits she's "not sure" whether to play in Dubai again following harsh criticism from the Tournament Director.

Last month, Dubai Tournament Director Salah Tahlak vented his frustration over the withdrawals of Sabalenka and Iga Świątek a few days out from the WTA 1000 event.

Sabalenka revealed at the time that she wasn't feeling 100 per cent, while Świątek put her decision down to a "change of schedule".

"It was an unfortunate surprise to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga. And the reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange. Iga said she wasn't mentally ready to compete, while Sabalenka said she has some minor injuries," Tahlak explained to The National.

"So I don't know. I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players [for withdrawing], not just fines; they should be docked ranking points.

"I even asked the [tournament] doctor, what is the injury? He said it's a minor injury, not one that would force her to withdraw from the tournament. And for Iga, I asked, 'Isn't this a strange decision?'"

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Before Indian Wells, which just concluded, Sabalenka hadn't entered a tournament since finishing runner-up at the Australian Open.

Having clinched the Indian Wells title, a WTA 1000 event, against Elena Rybakina on Monday, the 27-year-old's decision to rest her body has so far paid dividends.

Sabalenka didn't hold back when asked her thoughts about Tahlak's comments.

"I don't think he showed himself in the best way possible," the four-time Grand Slam winner said during a pre-tournament press conference at the WTA 1000 Miami Open.

"For me, it's actually so sad to see that the tournament directors are not protecting us as a player. They just are about their (sales), their tournament, and that is it.

"I'm not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me, it's too much.

"We have these little gaps in the schedule where I can just reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments.

"I feel like scheduling is going crazy, and I feel like that's why you see so many players injured, always taped,  and not delivering the best quality matches because it's almost impossible."

Before the Dubai Open last month, Coco Gauff defended Sabalenka and Świątek for opting out.

"I don't think players do it just because they don't want to play; I don't think it's that decision," the American said.

"For me, this part of the season has always been difficult, I think simply due to the transition there is. Do I think players should lose points? Honestly, I don't."

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