Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek Withdraw from WTA Dubai

The second WTA 1000 event of the season is set to take a major hit, as the top two seeds, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, have both announced they will not be competing in Dubai.

The two best players in the world will instead target a return at the Sunshine Double next month, citing different reasons for their absence from the final Middle East big event.

Aryna Sabalenka and IGa Swiatek withdraw from Dubai

World #1 Aryna Sabalenka will miss another big tournament this year, following her withdrawal from the WTA Doha event last week. After opening 2026 with a title run in Brisbane and a runner-up finish at the Australian Open, Sabalenka has opted to prioritize her fitness. In a statement released by the tournament, she confirmed she is not yet fully fit to compete.

“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.”

While Sabalenka’s season began strongly, another Major final defeat, followed by back-to-back withdrawals from WTA 1000 tournaments, has stalled her early momentum. She will now aim to reset and return fully healthy for Indian Wells and Miami before the clay swing begins.

In contrast, Iga Swiatek did compete in Doha, where she suffered a disappointing quarterfinal defeat to Maria Sakkari. Her absence from Dubai is not injury-related. Instead, Swiatek confirmed that a scheduling adjustment prompted the decision.

“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.”

This aligns with what Swiatek indicated various times in the past six months or so. She has made it clear she intends to skip more tournaments moving forward in order to prolong her career and maintain freshness, as the demands of the tour schedule continue to intensify.

Despite the absence of the world’s top two players, the tournament still features the majority of the Top 20. However, without Sabalenka and Swiatek, the field suddenly feels far more open.

Their withdrawals create a significant opportunity for contenders who may previously have found deep runs more difficult. With the Sunshine Double looming, Dubai will now present a rare chance for a breakthrough title at the WTA 1000 level for others in the field.