The second WTA 1000 tournament of the season is underway at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Several top stars are competing at the event, including Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, two-time major winner Coco Gauff, and world number four Amanda Anisimova.
The lineup took a big hit, however, when world number one and two, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, withdrew from the competition.
Who do you think will win the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships?
Let us know why in the comments!
Sabalenka pulled out as she was ‘not feeling 100%’ while Swiatek withdrew due to ‘a change of schedule’.
During Gauff’s pre-tournament press conference, she was asked if players should be docked points for withdrawing from events before they start.
Coco Gauff reacts to the withdrawals of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka
The American responded: “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.
Who is your favorite player – Alexandra Eala or Coco Gauff?
Let us know why in the comments!
“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’s results so far during the 2026 season
Gauff kicked off her 2026 season at the United Cup, where she helped the US reach the semifinals.
After that, the 21-year-old entered her seventh Australian Open, where she made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Elina Svitolina.
She then began the Middle East swing at the Qatar Open, but Gauff’s campaign was brought to an abrupt end in the first round.
There, she fell to Italian star Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match, losing in straight sets.
Now, Gauff will appear at the Dubai Tennis Championships for the sixth time in her career.
Her best result in Dubai is a semifinal finish, which she managed in 2023.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
