The organizing committee of the WTA Dubai tournaments has officially announced the withdrawal of the world's top two players, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and Polish Iga Swiatek, from the competition. The 26th edition of the tournament will start tomorrow at the Dubai Duty Free courts in the Al Quoz area and will run until February 21. The total prize money is $4.08 million, and the tournament is classified as a WTA 1000. In a statement from the Dubai Tennis Week organizers, Belarusian Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner and runner-up at last month's Australian Open, said: "I am not 100% in the best physical condition." She expressed hope to return to competition next year after consecutive appearances in the tournament over nine years. Meanwhile, world number two Iga Swiatek said: "The withdrawal is due to a packed schedule in the 2026 season, and I hope to return next year." She confirmed she will participate in the Indian Wells tennis tournament. The 26th tournament will feature 16 players from the top 20 and 33 from the top 40 in the world rankings. It will be followed by a men's tournament in the 500 category from February 23 to 28.
