Aryna Sabalenka has threatened to never return to the Dubai Tennis Championships over a ‘ridiculous’ comment from tournament director Salah Tahlak. The world’s top-ranked female player didn’t compete at this year’s event, which took place last month. She withdrew before the start of the tournament, citing scheduling concerns.

Tahlak was unhappy with the timing of Sabalenka’s decision to pull out, which was communicated just before the tournament was due to begin. He argued that players should receive severe penalties for last-minute withdrawals, including heavy fines and the deduction of ranking points.

“There should be a harsher punishment on the players,” said Tahlak. “Not just fines, they should be docked ranking points.”

Sabalenka, who also withdrew from the Qatar Open before winning Indian Wells last weekend, was taken aback by Tahlak’s comments and has threatened to boycott the Dubai Tennis Championships in future.

Speaking ahead of the Miami Open, the Belarusian said: “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 are not protecting us as players.

“They just care about their sellings, 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.”

Sabalenka reiterated that her decision to withdraw was based on her determination to remain physically and mentally fit during a ‘crazy’ schedule.

“Going into this season, we decided we were going to prioritise my health and make sure that we have these little gaps in the schedule where I can just reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments,” she added.

“Scheduling is going crazy and that’s why you see so many players are injured, always taped and not delivering the best quality matches because it’s almost impossible.”

Coco Gauff was later quizzed on Sabalenka’s explosive response to Tahlak’s comments and expressed sympathy with her fellow player.

“I just feel Iga [Swiatek, who also withdrew] and Aryna have played that tournament so many times and it wasn’t anything personal to it,” said the American.

“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.”

Under WTA rules, the world’s top players are obliged to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments and six WTA 500 events. Punishments for missing required tournaments can range from fines to ranking point penalties.