Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek break silence on late Dubai withdrawal

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Both Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have decided to skip the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Sabalenka had already opted out of the Qatar Open following her loss to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.

On the other hand, Swiatek did take part in the Qatar Open, but was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Maria Sakkari.

Following their late withdrawals from Dubai, both players have addressed fans to explain their decisions.

Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka address fans following Dubai withdrawal

Sabalenka, who currently sits at the top of the world rankings, explained through a statement released by the tournament that she was not fully fit.

“I’m really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai. I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans and the city,” said the Belarusian star.

“Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100 per cent. But I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”

Swiatek also expressed her regrets to fans who were hoping to see her compete in Dubai.

“I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule. I hope I will come back next year to experience the next tournament. See you guys in Indian Wells.”

The Indian Wells event kicks off in early March. While Swiatek will not be playing at either the Merida Open or ATX Open before then, she had not been scheduled for those tournaments anyway.

Aryna Sabalenka had been training in Dubai before withdrawal

The withdrawal was clearly a late decision for Sabalenka, who had already posted footage of herself training on Dubai’s blue courts.

Her absence from the last two events is unlikely to affect her ranking, given how far ahead she is at the top. The Belarusian star currently has 10,990 points, while Swiatek sits in second place with 7,803.

Swiatek’s hold on the No. 2 spot may also be under threat. Rybakina is only 280 points behind and could move up if she surpasses last year’s semi-final appearance in Dubai.