Withdrawals Rock Dubai Championships as Lucky Losers Fill Draw and Calendar Debate Returns
A wave of high profile withdrawals has reshaped the main draw at the Dubai Tennis Championships, forcing tournament organisers to rely on seven lucky losers and reigniting debate over the demands of the professional tennis calendar.
Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko became the latest player to withdraw, citing a right elbow issue. The 19 year old recently broke into the world’s top 10 following a strong run to the Qatar Open final, but her exit in Dubai opened the door for Croatia’s Petra Marcinko to step into the main draw. Mboko’s withdrawal adds to a growing list of absences that have altered the complexion of one of the season’s key WTA 1000 events.
Top ranked Aryna Sabalenka pulled out with a minor hip problem, while Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova opted for schedule adjustments. Maria Sakkari and Zheng Qinwen withdrew due to illness, and Elisabetta Cocciaretto was sidelined by a thigh injury. The cumulative effect has left the tournament field significantly depleted compared with its original lineup.
The concentration of withdrawals has once again drawn attention to the structure of the tennis season. WTA 1000 events rank just below the four Grand Slams in prestige and ranking value, and participation rules require top players to compete in a defined number of tournaments. Under current regulations, leading players are expected to appear in all Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events and six WTA 500 tournaments, with penalties ranging from ranking point deductions to fines for non compliance.
Several players have publicly voiced concerns about the pace of the schedule. Sakkari recently described the turnaround between major tournaments as exhausting, signalling her intention to pursue a more selective calendar rather than chasing ranking points at the expense of recovery. Swiatek has previously indicated that scaling back her schedule could be necessary to protect her long term health, even if it means skipping mandatory events.
The debate has extended beyond individual comments. The Professional Tennis Players Association has filed legal action against governing bodies, arguing that the existing system places unsustainable demands on athletes. Meanwhile, the WTA has stated that player welfare remains a priority and that it continues to review the tour structure in consultation with athlete representatives and other stakeholders.
Tournament organisers face a delicate balance between maintaining star power and respecting player health. For events like Dubai, late withdrawals can disrupt ticket sales, broadcast planning and sponsorship expectations. Yet the increasing frequency of injuries and fatigue related absences suggests deeper structural questions remain unresolved.
As the season intensifies, the situation in Dubai serves as a reminder that the sport’s packed calendar remains a central issue. With multiple governing bodies involved in scheduling decisions, any meaningful adjustment will require coordination across the global tennis ecosystem.
