World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Threatens Popular Tennis Tournament

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 11:07 AM ET

A few weeks ago WTA world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from the Dubai Championships citing injuries. That decision drew some criticism from tournament director Salah Tahlak, which in turn has Sabalenka reluctant to return to the event.

Tahlak called it "an unfortunate surprise" that Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek withdrew from the tournament, and called for "harsher punishment" when a player withdraws from a tournament. He believes that ranking points should be docked, not just salaries.

“It was an unfortunate surprise last night to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga,” Tahlak told The National. “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. I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players (for withdrawing). Not just fines — they should be docked ranking points.”

Sep 6, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka celebrates championship trophy after winning the women's singles final against Amanda Anisimova (USA) (not pictured) of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Sabalenka Speaks

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Sabalenka admonished Tahlak for criticizing her over her decision. She declared that she isn't even sure if she ever wants to go back to Dubai after what he said. Sabalenka called Tahlak's stance "ridiculous" and believes he didn't represent himself well with those staments.

"I’m not sure if I ever want to go back there after his comment. For me it’s too much,” Sabalenka said, via MSN.com.

“For me it’s so funny — not so ‘funny,’ it’s actually so sad — to see that the tournament director and the tournaments are not protecting us, as the players. They just care about their sellings, about their tournament, and that’s it.”

Sabalenka isn't someone that any tournament should be annoying right now. She's been a dominant force in the sport for several years now and won four Grand Slams since 2023.

Tahlak might have been better suited keeping his thoughts to himself, or at least among friends - not mouthing off in public.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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