Sabalenka, Swiatek withdraw from WTA 1000 event in Dubai
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka reacts after missing a point to USA’s Jessica Pegula during their women’s singles semi-final match at the Wuhan Open tennis tournament in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province on October 11, 2025. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
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Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, the world's top two players, have both pulled out of next week's WTA 1000 event in Dubai, tournament organisers announced.
Sabalenka has not played since losing the Australian Open
final to Elena Rybakina last month.
"I'm really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai,"
said the Belarusian in a statement released by organisers on Friday.
"I have such a special connection with the tournament,
the fans and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 percent. But I hope
to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event."
Swiatek was in action this week in Doha but failed in her
bid for a fourth Qatar Open title, losing to Maria Sakkari in the
quarter-finals.
"I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing
Dubai this year due to a change of schedule," said the six-time Grand Slam
champion.
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