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Rybakina Slams Brutal WTA Schedule
21 Mar
Summary
- Elena Rybakina forced to retire mid-match due to exhaustion.
- Top players Sabalenka and Swiatek also withdrew from Dubai.
- Rybakina calls WTA schedule 'brutal' but aims for Miami success.
World No. 2 Elena Rybakina has openly criticized the WTA Tour's intense schedule, describing it as "brutal." The Kazakh player was forced to retire during a match in Dubai due to exhaustion, stemming from a relentless sequence of tournaments since lifting the Australian Open trophy in January. Rybakina explained that she was unable to recover adequately after the Australian Open, leading to her withdrawal in Dubai.
Her experience mirrors that of other top players; Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek also withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships last month citing similar issues. This pattern has highlighted the physical and mental toll of the demanding calendar on elite athletes. Despite these challenges, Rybakina expressed her determination to perform well at the Miami Open, her fifth consecutive event.
Having reached the finals in Miami twice before, Rybakina is on a dominant run since Wimbledon 2025, recording the most wins on tour. She recently climbed to World No. 2, closing in on World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, with both players expected to meet in the Miami draw, setting the stage for a highly anticipated match.
