Sabalenka Defends Dubai Withdrawal Amid Criticism

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one in tennis, responded to criticism regarding her late withdrawal from the Dubai Championship last month, labeling it as "ridiculous." She stated that the tournament director, Salah Tahlak, did not adequately protect players and was more concerned with the tournament's financial aspects. Sabalenka, who has won four Grand Slam titles, expressed sadness over the situation, particularly as she prepares for the WTA 1000 event starting on February 13.

After winning the Indian Wells title, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and managing her schedule to avoid injuries, which she noted are common among players due to the congested tennis calendar. Sabalenka will attempt to defend her title at the Miami Open next week, highlighting the challenges of maintaining peak performance amid a demanding schedule.