The Dubai meet saw an unprecedented wave of withdrawals and on-court retirements, dramatically reshaping the draw. Sixteen players, including top stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Zheng Qinwen, had withdrawn. The top-30 ATP players are required to compete in all four grand slams, eight mandatory Masters 1000s, and four ATP 500 events, with exemptions for injuries. The women’s tour has acknowledged that the calendar “does not feel sustainable”. The WTA has announced a Tour Architecture Council, led by Jessica Pegula, to review and recommend substantial calendar reforms by 2027.

Source: The Telegraph February 21, 2026 05:17 UTC