Coco Gauff shows true colors with response to Aryna Sabalenka's Dubai threat

Coco Gauff fully understands why Aryna Sabalenka feels uncertain about returning to the Dubai Tennis Championships following remarks made by tournament director Salah Tahlak. The world No. 1 pulled out of February's WTA 1000 event, citing she wasn't "not feeling 100 percent," prompting Tahlak to suggest players who withdraw should face stricter penalties than fines, including points deductions.

Sabalenka has now responded ahead of the Miami Open, stating: "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."

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Gauff has labeled Tahlak's remarks "unnecessary" and stood up for Sabalenka, along with Iga Swiatek, who also pulled out, referencing a schedule adjustment.

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Speaking in Miami, the American commented: "I just feel Iga and Aryna have played that tournament so many times, and it wasn't anything personal to it.

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"It's tough; we're trying our best to play the calendar. I completely understand why she [Sabalenka] would feel like that [frustrated] because the comments were unnecessary."

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Gauff also expressed disagreement with Tahlak at the time, stating, whilst in Dubai: "Do I think players should be docked points? Not really. We already have the mandatory. We get zeros on our ranking for everything.

"For this point in the schedule, I think it's hard to play all the tournaments now that they're two weeks long. I think the asks of players are becoming more and more and more.

"I do understand the tournament side; they obviously want the players there. In the past, I think top players have always come to Doha and Dubai; this draw has historically been a tough draw. I understand it's unfortunate this year.

"I don't think it's fair for players to get docked points. I think, if anything, we should have an optional 1000, like the men do with Monte-Carlo. Yeah, I think that's a little bit harsh in my opinion."

Gauff also shared her personal perspective. She stated: "For me, I don't think I've ever really pulled out of a 1000 that I can remember off the top of my head. I definitely don't think players do it, like they just don't want to play, I don't think it's that decision.

"You look at, like, burnout throughout the year. Although maybe it might not affect you now, it will affect you later. I feel like for me, this part of the season I have always struggled, I think just because of the transition and things like that."

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