Overview
- Dubai tournament officials confirmed on Feb. 13 that world Nos. 1 and 2 pulled out, with Aryna Sabalenka saying she is not feeling 100% and Iga Swiatek citing a change of schedule.
- Elena Rybakina moves up to the No. 1 seed in Dubai, altering the draw and opening the field for contenders.
- Sabalenka has not played since losing the Australian Open final to Rybakina and already skipped this week’s Qatar Open.
- Swiatek played in Doha and fell to Maria Sakkari in the quarter-finals, and she says she will prepare for Indian Wells in March.
- The WTA reiterated that athlete welfare is a top priority and said it continues to review tour structure, while Dubai organizers expressed disappointment at the late withdrawals.