Sabalenka Slams Dubai Tournament Director Over 'Ridiculous' Comments
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Aryna Sabalenka was left fuming after withdrawing from this year's Dubai C'ships, as the tournament director criticised her for doing so.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak told reporters that strict action would be taken against Sabalenka for her late withdrawal, with ranking points to be docked.
However, Sabalenka called Tahlak's comment 'ridiculous' and 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.
Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and several other players pulled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes, with lucky losers having to fill the depleted main draw.
The Belarusian also skipped the Doha event this year, citing a focus on her health and a desire to 'reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments'.
She described this year's tennis schedule as 'crazy', saying '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.'
