Elena Rybakina set for new milestone in Dubai After Sabalenka and Swiatek withdraw

The world’s top two players won’t be taking part in the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have both decided to skip the WTA 1000 event, catching a few people off guard with the timing.

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“I am really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai,” Sabalenka said. “Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100%.”

Swiatek explained her decision by saying, “I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule.”

With the top two seeds out of the way, it opens things up for someone else to take advantage and claim a major title.

The draw now favours Elena Rybakina, who is eyeing her first ever title in Dubai…

Elena Rybakina earns top seed status at a WTA 1000 event for the first time

Rybakina, who was originally slated as the third seed, moved up to the top spot following Sabalenka and Swiatek’s withdrawals.

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She’s already a two-time Grand Slam champion, but this will be her first time leading the field as the number one seed at a WTA 1000 event.

Whether she can manage the added pressure of being top seed remains to be seen.

The draw still includes plenty of talent. Even without Swiatek and Sabalenka, Rybakina will have her hands full with several big names joining her in Dubai.

Six of those listed have more recent WTA 1000 titles than Rybakina, whose last came at the 2023 Italian Open.

Time will tell if she can add another in Dubai, which would be her first since that win in Rome.

How Elena Rybakina has fared at the Dubai Tennis Championships

Rybakina’s 8-2 record in Dubai gives her an 80% win rate at the event, matching her success at the Qatar Open.

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The Kazakh has been to the semi-finals but hasn’t yet reached a final. Her best run came last year when she made it to the final four.

In 2025, Rybakina reached the semi-finals after wins over Moyuka Uchijima, Paula Badosa and Sofia Kenin before falling to Mirra Andreeva.

Since then, though, she’s become a different player. Midway through 2025, she found top form and has stayed consistent since then.

She won titles in Ningbo (October), the WTA Finals (November), and added another major by claiming the Australian Open in January.

You could make a strong case that Rybakina has been women’s tennis’ top player during that stretch.

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With both Swiatek and Sabalenka out of this year’s tournament, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rybakina lifts another trophy later this month when play starts on February 16th.

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