n an unexpected turn of events, both Naomi Osaka and defending Dubai champion Barbora Krejcikova have withdrawn from the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, marking a change in their initial participation plans.
Initially set to make her Dubai return for the first time since 2019, 26-year-old Osaka decided to withdraw after winning her Doha round-of-16 match on Wednesday. Osaka, who recently made a post-pregnancy comeback at the beginning of this season, opted to skip Dubai, likely considering the strain of competing for a third consecutive week after a deep run in Doha. Osaka, who participated in Abu Dhabi last week and secured three victories in Doha, seems to be prioritizing a cautious approach to avoid overexertion early in her return, having been absent from competition for 16 months before launching her comeback.
On the other side, Krejcikova, who missed this week’s WTA 1000 event in Doha due to a back injury, will also be absent from Dubai. The defending champion won the title last year after defeating Iga Swiatek in the final. Expressing regret over the withdrawals, the Dubai tournament organizers released a statement, wishing both players the best for the remainder of the 2024 season and expressing anticipation for their return in the near future.
Reflecting on her decision, Osaka stated, “I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this season. I have loved playing in Dubai in previous years, and I want to wish the tournament organizers a successful event in 2024.”
Meanwhile, Krejcikova, the 2023 Dubai champion, expressed her disappointment, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Dubai tournament. This decision wasn’t easy, especially given my fond memories and anticipation to compete again. However, my back injury requires further healing time. But I am committed to returning stronger next year.”
As the tennis world absorbs these developments, fans eagerly await the return of both Osaka and Krejcikova to the courts in the future.
