'Strange decision': Dubai Tournament Director unimpressed by withdrawals of top two stars

(Getty/Robert Prange)

Dubai Tournament Director Salah Tahlak believes players should be punished for skipping mandatory events in the wake of the high-profile withdrawals of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek.

The WTA Dubai 1000, which is one of 10 mandatory events on the women's circuit, won't be contested by the world's top two players, with Sabalenka admitting she is not feeling 100 per cent, while world No.2 Świątek put her withdrawal down to a "change of schedule".

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Tahlak, who is understandably frustrated, went as far as arguing that players who pull out of tournaments without justification should have ranking points stripped.

"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?'"

Coco Gauff was asked in her pre-tournament press conference if Sabalenka and Świątek deserve fines.

"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."

As the tournament commences the third round stage, it hasn't been a perfect showcase event, with Daria Kasatkina, Barbora Krejčíková, and Sara Bejlek all withdrawing before their second round matches. Ella Seidel, Hailey Baptiste, and former world No.2 Paula Badosa took no further part in their matches after the opening set due to injuries.

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