Coco Gauff backs Aryna Sabalenka as world No. 1 threatens Dubai boycott over Salah Tahlak's criticism: "I completely understand"

Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to withdraw from the Dubai Tennis Championships is still making tennis news, and now Coco Gauff has stepped in with her take. The world number one pulled out of the event due to injury, but the reaction from tournament director Salah Tahlak turned it into a bigger talking point. That is why this story is getting attention now. Sabalenka was openly criticised and even faced calls for sanctions, something that did not sit well with players. With the Miami Open around the corner, Gauff has now shared her honest view on the situation, and it reflects what many in the tennis world are thinking.

Coco Gauff defends Aryna Sabalenka amid Dubai exit controversy

Speaking ahead of the Miami Open, Gauff made it clear she understands why Sabalenka was frustrated with the comments. She said, “I just feel Iga and Aryna have played that tournament so many times, and it wasn’t anything personal to it. It’s tough. We’re trying our best to play the calendar. I completely understand why she [Sabalenka] would feel like that because the comments were unnecessary.”
Aryna Sabalenka had withdrawn just days before the tournament, joining Iga Swiatek in skipping the event. The criticism that followed led to a strong reaction from the Belarusian, who reportedly even considered not returning to Dubai in the future. Players are constantly dealing with injuries and a packed schedule, so it is not always easy to manage everything on the WTA Tour. Even with all the talk around the withdrawals, Gauff still had a strong run in Dubai. She came in as the third seed and made it to the semi-finals before losing to Elina Svitolina in a tight three-set match. Now, the focus shifts to Miami, where all three stars, Gauff, Sabalenka and Swiatek, are set to compete. Sabalenka will be looking to defend her 2025 title, while Gauff has her own story to change.
Interestingly, Miami has not been her strongest tournament so far. Despite calling it a “bucket list tournament,” she has never gone beyond the fourth round. In fact, she has exited at that stage three times and holds a 57 percent win rate at the event. This year could be a chance to change that. Gauff will begin her campaign in the second round against either Darja Semeņistaja or Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
For now, though, her comments add more weight to the Sabalenka controversy. And if the reaction is anything to go by, this conversation is far from over.


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