Sabalenka criticises Dubai tournament director and threatens not to return

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka said she is unsure about returning to Dubai after the tournament director criticised ‌her withdrawal - labelling the demand for tougher penalties on late pull-outs a "ridiculous" idea.

Sabalenka and world No 3 Iga Swiatek were among several players ruled out ‌due to injury, illness or scheduling changes, leaving lucky losers to fill the depleted main draw in Dubai and taking ​gloss off the WTA 1000 event only below the Grand Slams in stature.