Coco Gauff Backs Aryna Sabalenka for Slamming Dubai Boss over ‘Ridiculous’ Comments

Aryna Sabalenka skipped both the Doha and Dubai WTA 1000 events after her Australian Open final defeat.

Coco Gauff Backs Aryna Sabalenka for Slamming Dubai Boss over ‘Ridiculous’ Comments

Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff (Image via Jose Moron, Coco Gauff)

In Short
  • Aryna Sabalenka criticized Dubai Tennis Championships director Salah Tahlak for his comments on player withdrawals.
  • Coco Gauff expressed understanding of Sabalenka's frustration, stating the comments were unnecessary.
  • Sabalenka is considering not returning to Dubai due to scheduling conflicts with player health after Grand Slam events.

Dubai Tennis Championships director Salah Tahlak‘s comment greatly vexed Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian ace, in the pre-tournament press conference at the Miami Open, criticized Tahlak and called his statements “ridiculous”.

Because Sabalenka, as well as Iga Swiatek, withdrew from the Dubai WTA 1000 event, Tahlak wanted the WTA to impose harsher punishments and even suggested deducting ranking points. Sabalenka censured him for only caring about sales and not about protecting players, saying she skipped both WTA 1000 events in the Middle East Swing to focus on her physical and mental health following her Australian Open heartbreak.

The World No.1 lost to Elena Rybakina in her fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The Miami Open is underway, and Sabalenka will be bidding to complete the Sunshine Doubles.

While Sabalenka will be chasing her third title of the season, Coco Gauff will be hoping to end her title drought in her home tournament. At the pre-tournament press conference, the American ace was asked about Sabalenka’s comments.

I just feel Iga and Aryna have played that tournament so many times, and it wasn’t anything personal to it. It’s tough. We’re trying our best to play the calendar. I completely understand why she would feel like that ​because the comments were unnecessary.

Sabalenka is even contemplating never returning to Dubai for the same reason. Many from the tennis world believe the WTA shouldn’t have put two WTA 1000s in February right after a Grand Slam tournament because it could see the withdrawals of the top players who, after making deep runs in Melbourne, would rather take some time off to recharge their batteries instead of chasing 1000 ranking points.

Gauff played both the Doha and Dubai events after her Australian Open quarterfinal defeat to Elina Svitolina. The 21-year-old lost to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the opening round in Doha and to Svitolina in the semifinals in Dubai.

Jessica Pegula reveals how she can keep pushing Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina

Jessica Pegula has played many matches against both Sabalenka and Rybakina. The Kazakh ace dominated in their recent meetings, winning their last three matches to take a 5-3 head-to-head lead. Sabalenka, on the other hand, holds a 9-3 lead.

Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/TNT Sports, Tiempo De Tenis)

One of the defeats that Pegula suffered at the hands of the 27-year-old was in last year’s Miami Open final. Ahead of kick-starting her campaign in the ongoing event, Pegula revealed plans to challenge the top two players.

I’ve beaten them before, so it’s not like I feel like it’s impossible, but I do feel like they’re playing some really good tennis, and they’re the people to beat. Just being able to believe in that type of stuff when I’m playing them in big moments and big points is kind of the difference. But I’ve been right there and super close. It’s hard. They’re tall, big girls with big serves, and sometimes it’s a little frustrating for someone that’s not as tall. But I still think there’s a lot of stuff that I can do really well and keep improving to keep pushing them.

Jessica Pegula said at the press conference

Before arriving in Miami, the 2024 US Open finalist lost to Rybakina in the Indian Wells fourth round. Later, the two-time Grand Slam champion reached the final but failed to defeat Sabalenka.

It was Sabalenka’s first singles title in the California desert. Prior to the Indian Wells title, she defended her Brisbane International crown by beating Marta Kostyuk. Pegula will be chasing her second title of the season in Miami, as she added the Dubai title to her name by beating Svitolina.

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