Top WTA Players Sabalenka and Swiatek Withdraw from Dubai Tournament

World No. 1 and No. 2 players cite health and scheduling reasons for skipping the WTA 1000 event.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek have withdrawn from the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a WTA 1000 event scheduled for February 15-21, 2026. Sabalenka cited not feeling 100% as the reason for her withdrawal, while Swiatek attributed her decision to a change in her schedule. Both players have faced criticism over the WTA's demanding calendar requirements in the past.

Why it matters

The withdrawal of the two highest-ranked players is a significant blow to the Dubai tournament, which was set to feature 16 of the top 20 and 33 of the top 40 players in the WTA rankings. Sabalenka and Swiatek's absences open the door for other players to make a move in the rankings, with Iga Swiatek's No. 2 spot particularly vulnerable.

The details

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, had already skipped the Qatar Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the Middle East swing. She has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in nine consecutive appearances in Dubai. Swiatek, the six-time Grand Slam winner, reached the Dubai final in 2023 before losing to Barbora Krejcikova. She is currently second in the rankings, with Elena Rybakina just 280 points behind her.

  • The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is scheduled for February 15-21, 2026.
  • Sabalenka and Swiatek announced their withdrawals on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

The current World No. 1 women's tennis player, a four-time Grand Slam champion who has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in Dubai.

Iga Swiatek

The current World No. 2 women's tennis player, a six-time Grand Slam winner who reached the Dubai final in 2023.

Elena Rybakina

The player who is currently 280 points behind Swiatek in the WTA rankings and could potentially claim the No. 2 spot with a strong performance in Dubai.

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What they’re saying

“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%. But I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”

— Aryna Sabalenka (Tournament organizers)

“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.”

— Iga Swiatek (Tournament organizers)

What’s next

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells will be Swiatek's next tournament, scheduled for March 4-15, 2026.

The takeaway

The withdrawals of the top two women's tennis players from the Dubai tournament highlight the challenges players face in balancing the demanding WTA calendar and managing their health and workload. It also opens up opportunities for other players to make moves in the rankings, particularly with Swiatek's No. 2 spot potentially up for grabs.