Dubai chief demands radical punishment for WTA stars after shock exits

Dubai Tennis Championships director Salah Tahlak has called for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to be stripped of ranking points following their late withdrawals from the tournament.

Calls for stricter sanctions

Tahlak described the exits as “strange” and believes financial penalties are no longer a sufficient deterrent for the world’s elite players.

Both the Belarusian world number one and her Polish rival pulled out of the mandatory WTA 1000 event on Friday.

Current regulations allow for fines, though exemptions often exist for cited schedule changes or verified medical issues.

However, the tournament chief insists that monetary sanctions are ineffective against the sport’s highest earners.

“I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players, not just fines, they should be docked ranking points,” Tahlak stated.

“I think a fine will not do anything. I feel they should deduct points from the players. A monetary fine won’t help.”

He cited a historical example involving Serena Williams, arguing that a six-figure fine is negligible compared to the potential earnings available elsewhere on the tour.

‘Strange’ decisions questioned

Swiatek attributed her absence to a “change of schedule” and a lack of mental readiness, while Sabalenka officially cited a right hip injury.

Tahlak revealed that the tournament doctor had assessed the reigning Australian Open champion’s condition and deemed the issue minor.

“It was an unfortunate surprise to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga. And the reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange,” he said.

“I even asked the doctor, ‘what is the injury?’ He said it’s a minor injury, not one that would force her to withdraw.”

Regarding Swiatek’s decision, Tahlak added that he found the move equally perplexing.

Taking action in Rome

The withdrawals from two of the tour’s biggest draws have prompted the director to escalate the issue with governing bodies.

He intends to present his case for stricter regulations during an upcoming meeting in Rome.

“We have a representative from the international group speaking on our behalf with the WTA,” Tahlak confirmed.

Both players issued apologies to the fans and organisers, expressing a desire to return to the United Arab Emirates next year.