Dubai Director Demands 'Harsher Punishment' After Świątek, Sabalenka Withdrawals

Tournament director Salah Tahlak criticizes top players' 'strange' decisions to pull out of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships tournament director, Salah Tahlak, has strongly criticized World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and World No. 2 Iga Świątek for their late withdrawals from the WTA 1000 event. Tahlak questioned the legitimacy of the players' reasons for pulling out and called for 'harsher punishment' beyond just fines, suggesting point deductions as a potential consequence.

Why it matters

Sabalenka and Świątek are two of the biggest stars in women's tennis, and their late withdrawals from a major tournament like the Dubai Duty Free Championships are seen as disrespectful to the event and its organizers. The tournament director's strong reaction highlights the tensions that can arise between players and tournament officials, especially when high-profile athletes withdraw close to the start of an event.

The details

Sabalenka withdrew due to a right hip injury, while Świątek cited a 'change of schedule' as the reason for her withdrawal. Tahlak said the tournament doctor told him Sabalenka's injury was 'minor' and should not have forced her to pull out. He also questioned the legitimacy of Świątek's reason, calling it a 'strange decision.' Tahlak wants the WTA to impose harsher punishments than just fines, suggesting point deductions as a potential consequence for late withdrawals.

  • Sabalenka and Świątek withdrew from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Friday, with the main draw commencing on Sunday.
  • Sabalenka had also withdrawn from the previous week's Qatar Open, another mandatory WTA 1000 event.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

The current World No. 1 women's tennis player.

Iga Świątek

The current World No. 2 women's tennis player.

Salah Tahlak

The tournament director of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Serena Williams

An American tennis legend who was once fined $100,000 for withdrawing from the 2013 Dubai Tennis Championships.

Victoria Azarenka

A Belarusian tennis player who also withdrew from the 2013 Dubai Tennis Championships, along with Serena Williams.

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What they’re saying

“The reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange. I think there should be a harsher punishment.”

— Salah Tahlak, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Tournament Director

“I even asked the [tournament] doctor, what is the injury? He said it's a minor injury, not one that would force her (Sabalenka) to withdraw from the tournament. And for Iga, I asked, 'Isn't this a strange decision?' I think a fine will not do anything.”

— Salah Tahlak, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Tournament Director

“I feel they should deduct points from the players. A monetary fine won't help. It's a shame that we're spending these huge amounts to upgrade our facilities and in the end the players are the main part (of this tournament).”

— Salah Tahlak, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Tournament Director

What’s next

The WTA will likely review the circumstances surrounding Sabalenka and Świątek's withdrawals and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted, beyond any fines that may have already been imposed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the tensions that can arise between tournament organizers and top players, especially when high-profile withdrawals occur close to the start of an event. It also raises questions about how the WTA should balance player autonomy and scheduling flexibility with the need to ensure the integrity and competitiveness of its tournaments.