Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: Sabalenka and Swiatek pull out of WTA 1000 event
Tournament still features 16 of top 20 players
DUBAI – World No1 Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Iga Swiatek have withdrawn from this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, just days before the WTA 1000 event gets under way in the emirate.
The tournament, now in its 26th edition, is scheduled to run from February 15 to 21.
Sabalenka’s withdrawal brings to an end a remarkable nine-year run of consecutive appearances in Dubai, while Swiatek’s decision follows a change in her competitive schedule. Their absence removes the top two players in the world rankings from the draw but leaves a strong field still intact.
Sabalenka withdraws
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, reached her fourth Australian Open final last month. The Belarusian has been a regular feature at Dubai’s flagship WTA event, building a close connection with the tournament over nearly a decade.
“I’m really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai,” Sabalenka said. “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.”
Her consistent presence in Dubai has made her one of the event’s most recognisable figures in recent seasons. This year would have marked her 10th straight appearance at the tournament.
Swiatek schedule
Swiatek, ranked No2 in the world, has also confirmed she will not compete, citing a change of schedule. The Polish star was runner-up in Dubai in 2023 and has been a prominent contender at the WTA 1000 level over the past few seasons.
“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,” Swiatek said.
Her decision follows a busy early-season calendar and shifts the spotlight to upcoming events on the tour.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Tournament organisers expressed disappointment at the late withdrawals but extended their support to both players.
“We are sorry that Aryna and Iga have both withdrawn from this year’s tournament. They both have huge amounts of followers here in Dubai, and we were looking forward to seeing them competing on our courts once again. We wish them continued success for the season and look forward to seeing them back in Dubai next year,” an official statement read.
Despite the high-profile exits, the strength of the field remains significant. The 26th edition of the WTA event features 16 of the top 20 ranked female players in the world and 33 of the top 40, underlining the depth of competition expected across the week.
The women’s tournament will be followed by Dubai’s annual ATP 500 men’s competition from February 23 to 28, completing a fortnight of elite tennis in the city.
Tickets for the event remain available online at the official tournament website.