Coco Gauff has expressed support for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek after the reigning Indian Wells champion broke her silence and responded to harsh criticism from the Dubai Open tournament director for withdrawing from the event during the Middle East swing in February. Sabalenka even went a step further, saying she might consider not playing in the tournament next year.
During a pre-tournament interview in Miami, Gauff defended Sabalenka and Swiatek, saying that while the players try their best to handle the demanding schedule, fatigue and exhaustion can sometimes influence their decisions, and getting proper rest is crucial.
“I think Iga and Aryna have played that tournament many times, and it wasn’t anything personal. It’s difficult. We’re doing everything we can to adjust to the schedule. I completely understand why Sabalenka would feel that way, because the comments were unnecessary,” Gauff said.
Looking Into Aryna Sabalenka’s Response To Dubai Tournament Director’s Criticism
Earlier, during an interview ahead of the Miami Open, Aryna Sabalenka fired back at Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak, calling his comments “ridiculous” and stating that “He crossed the line” with the irresponsible, untimely criticism over the withdrawal controversy.
“I think it’s ridiculous. I don’t think he showed himself in the best way possible. For me, it’s actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments aren’t protecting us as players,” Sabalenka said.
“They just care about their (sales), about their tournament, and that’s it. His comment was ridiculous. I’m not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me, it’s too much,” she added.
For now, the defending Miami Open champion and other top seeds like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula all shift their focus towards the final tournament of the Sunshine Swing in Miami.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
