Aryna Sabalenka slams Dubai C'ships director's 'ridiculous' comments; raises concerns over player protection, scheduling

Aryna Sabalenka questioned the director's decision not to protect players, accusing him of only caring about sales.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2026, 15:26:16 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Aryna Sabalenka was left fuming after withdrawing from this year's Dubai C'ships, as the tournament director criticised her for doing so. Reacting to the director's comment, Sabalenka called it 'ridiculous'. Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and several other players pulled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes.

Aryna Sabalenka speaks during a press conference. (Getty Images via AFP)

Due to their withdrawals, lucky losers had to fill the depleted main draw. Tournament director Salah Tahlak told reporters that strict action would be taken against Sabalenka for her late withdrawal, with ranking points to be docked. In reaction, she also stated that she might not participate in the tournament in the future.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic blames one epic point after Indian Wells loss to Jack Draper: ‘Ran completely out of gas'

‘I think it’s ridiculous': Aryna Sabalenka

Speaking to reporters at the Miami Open, she said, "I think it's ridiculous."

The Belarusian questioned the director's decision not to protect players, accusing him of only caring about sales.

“I don't think he showed himself in the best way possible. For me it's actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments not protecting us as players. They just care about their (sales), about their tournament and that's it”, she said.

"His comment was ridiculous. I'm not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me it's too much."

Sabalenka explains her decision

Sabalenka also skipped the Doha event this year. Explaining her decision, she revealed that this season her main priority is to focus on her health, so that she can ‘reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments'.

“Going into this season, we decided ... to prioritise my health and make sure we have these little gaps in the schedule where I can reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments”, she said.

Calling this year's tennis schedule ‘crazy’, she pointed out that it is leading to many injuries among players and quality matches have become less. She added, "I feel like the scheduling is going crazy and that's why you see so many players injured, always taped and not delivering the best quality matches because it's almost impossible."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.