Coco Gauff backs Aryna Sabalenka after Dubai controversy

Aryna Sabalenka has hit back at criticism from Dubai Tennis Championships tournament director Salah Tahlak, following her withdrawal from the event earlier this year.

Tahlak had publicly called for Sabalenka to be punished after she pulled out of the tournament with an injury just days before play was due to start.

Sabalenka, who joined Iga Swiatek in pulling out of the Masters event, saw Tahlak’s comments dismissed as “unnecessary” by Swiatek at the time. Now, Coco Gauff has added her perspective on the situation.

Coco Gauff defends Aryna Sabalenka in dispute with Dubai Tennis Championships

Sabalenka has said she may not return to Dubai, and Gauff understands why the world number one feels that way.

Speaking before the Miami Open, Gauff 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.”

She reached the semi-final of the competition, before losing to Elina Svitolina in a three set battle to exit the event.

Swiatek went on to win her second consecutive Indian Wells title after defeating Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-0 in straight sets. The world number one is set to defend her Miami Open crown in March as well.

Coco Gauff’s unusual history at the Miami Open

Gauff has often spoken about how much she wants to do well at the Miami Open, but she’s yet to find her best form at the event.

The American hasn’t made it past the fourth round, exiting at that stage in half of her six appearances so far.

Her 57% win rate in Miami is her second-lowest across Masters events, trailing only her record at the Qatar Open.

With an 8-6 overall record in Miami, Gauff will be looking to improve on what’s been a surprising lack of success at a tournament close to home.

She’s still waiting to learn who she’ll face in the second round, with Darja Semeņistaja and Elisabetta Cocciaretto playing for a chance to take on the American.

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