The WTA calendar has reached its second 1000-level stop, with the Dubai Tennis Championships now in full swing.
The tournament still features a strong line-up despite a few absences. Reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina is there, along with two-time major winner Coco Gauff and world number four Amanda Anisimova.
There was an expectation before the start of the event that both Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek would be participating. However, the world’s top two players have both withdrawn from the event.
Sabalenka cited health issues, saying she was not “feeling 100%,” while Swiatek explained her withdrawal was due to “a change of schedule.”
At her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff faced a question about whether players who withdraw from events before they begin should have points deducted.
Coco Gauff gives her thoughts on Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka pulling out of Dubai
The 21-year-old American said: “Yeah, I mean, for me, I don’t think I’ve ever really pulled out of a 1000 that I can remember off the top of my head.
“I definitely don’t think players do it, like they just don’t want to play. I don’t think it’s that decision.
“You look at, like, burnout throughout the year. Although maybe it might not affect you now, it will affect you later.
“I feel like for me, this part of the season I have always struggled I think just because of the transition and things like that.
“Do I think players should be docked points? Not really. We already have the mandatory. We get zeros on our ranking for everything.
“For this point in the schedule, I think it’s hard to play all the tournaments now that they’re two weeks. I think the ask of players are becoming more and more and more.
“I do understand the tournament side. They obviously want the players there. In the past I think top players have always come to Doha and Dubai. This draw has historically been a tough draw. I understand it’s unfortunate this year.
“I don’t think it’s fair for players to get docked points. I think, if anything, we should have an optional 1000 like the men do with Monte-Carlo. Yeah, I think that’s a little bit harsh in my opinion.”
Coco Gauff looks back on her results from the 2026 season
The 2026 campaign began for Coco Gauff at the United Cup, where she played a key role in helping Team USA reach the semi-finals.
She then headed to Melbourne for her seventh Australian Open appearance, making it through to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Elina Svitolina.
Gauff then made her way to the Middle East for the Qatar Open but was knocked out in her opening match against Elisabetta Cocciaretto, losing in straight sets.
The American will now turn her focus to Dubai, where she is set to compete for the sixth time in her career. Her best result at this tournament came in 2023 when she reached the semi-finals.
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