Aryna Sabalenca threatens boycott after blasting Dubai Director over "Ridicule" Criticism (Nypost)
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has threatened not returning if she does return after criticizing Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak for his "ridiculous" comments regarding her late withdrawal last month; Speaking ahead of Miami Open, Belarusian star said the demand to penalize players is absurd and expressed uncertainty about ever going back. The controversy also involved Iga Swiatek who was similarly criticized by officials before Sabalenka's decision became public Tuesday morning in Dubai time zone (UTC+4).
Key Points
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1World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka stated her uncertainty about whether or not she will return to the Dubai Championships.
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2Sabalenka criticized tournament director Salah Tahlak for labeling demands regarding late withdrawals as a 'ridiculous' idea during his recent comments on social media and interviews with players including Iga Swiatek.
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3"I'm not sure if ever want go there" Sabalenka said she may skip the event following her withdrawal from last month's Dubai tournament.
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4Sabalenks expressed frustration over what she described as ridiculous criticism regarding penalties for late withdrawals, leading to a threat of never returning.
Developments
Perspectives
Aryna Sabalenka is unsure if she will return to the Dubai Championships after tournament director Salah Tahlak criticized her late withdrawal last month.
— (Nst.com.my)"Commenti ridicoli su di me" (Ridiculous comments about myself), and I am not sure whether or when I want to go back there, according to Sabalenka who faces criticism from the Dubai tournament director for her withdrawal last month.
— (Gazzetta.it)"Commenti ridicoli su di me" (Ridiculous comments about myself), and she is not sure if or when I want to go back there, according to Sabalenka who faces criticism from the Dubai tournament director for her withdrawal last month.
— (Profootballnetwork)Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka expressed uncertainty about returning to the Dubai Championships after tournament director Salah Tahlak criticized her late withdrawal for allegedly causing ranking point deductions. While citing health reasons, she condemned his remarks as ridiculous and argued that players are not being protected by a schedule focused on commercial interests rather than their well-being.