Gauff Backs Sabalenka Over Dubai Withdrawal Row

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has received public support from fellow top player Coco Gauff amid ongoing tensions with Dubai Tennis Championships officials following her late withdrawal from the event in February. The dispute, which highlights strains in the professional tennis calendar, comes as both players prepare for the Miami Open starting this week in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Sabalenka pulled out of the WTA 1000 tournament days before it began, citing fatigue and lingering injuries from her Australian Open final run earlier that year. World No. 3 Iga Swiatek also withdrew, stating she was not mentally ready. The decisions disrupted the draw, prompting sharp criticism from tournament director Salah Tahlak. In comments reported by local media, Tahlak questioned the severity of the injuries, noting that the tournament doctor described Sabalenka's issue as minor. He called for tougher penalties beyond current fines, including deductions of ranking points for late withdrawals from mandatory events. "There should be a harsher punishment on the players," Tahlak said. "Not just fines, they should be docked ranking points."

Sabalenka responded forcefully during a pretournament news...