Iga Świątek has publicly supported Aryna Sabalenka following a controversy at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February 2026. The issue arose when tournament officials criticized Świątek for her withdrawal from the WTA 1000 event, and later, calls were made to deduct points from both players for lateness. Świątek responded by questioning the fairness of such penalties, stating, 'Are we slaves?' in a press conference on May 22, 2026.
The controversy began when Świątek withdrew from the Dubai tournament due to a foot injury, leading to criticism from the tournament director. Subsequently, reports emerged that Sabalenka and Świątek faced potential point deductions for arriving late to scheduled matches. The WTA has not officially commented on the matter, but sources close to the players indicate that the issue has sparked debate about player treatment.
Świątek, the world No. 1 from Poland, emphasized the need for better communication between players and officials. 'We are not machines. We need understanding, not punishment for things beyond our control,' she said. Sabalenka, the world No. 2 from Belarus, has not publicly addressed the controversy but has reportedly supported Świątek's stance.
The Dubai Tennis Championships, held from February 16-22, 2026, saw Sabalenka win the title after defeating Świątek in the semifinals. The tournament director has not responded to requests for comment on the ongoing dispute.
