The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships will proceed without the current world number one and two, as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have both pulled out of the prestigious WTA 1000 event. Their unexpected withdrawals open the door for other contenders, with Elena Rybakina emerging as the clear favorite to claim the Dubai title for the first time in her career.
Sabalenka expressed her regret, saying,
“I am really sorry I have to withdraw from Dubai,”
and added,
“Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100%.”
Similarly, Swiatek announced,
“I am sorry to announce that I will not be playing Dubai this year due to a change of schedule.”
Elena Rybakina Promoted to the Top Seed at Dubai for the First Time
Originally seeded third prior to these withdrawals, Rybakina has now claimed the number one seed at the Dubai Tennis Championships. This marks her first time as the top seed in a WTA 1000 tournament. The two-time Grand Slam winner has consistently shown skill across several tournaments, but the pressure of leading the field in Dubai presents a new challenge.
While Rybakina has yet to prove how she manages the expectations that come with the top seed status, she will face strong competition from several other notable players attending the tournament.
Key Seeds Set to Compete in Dubai Amid Rybakina’s Rise
The lineup includes several accomplished players, preserving a competitive field despite the absence of Sabalenka and Swiatek. The seeds at the Dubai Tennis Championships are:
- Elena Rybakina
- Amanda Anisimova
- Coco Gauff
- Jessica Pegula
- Mirra Andreeva
- Jasmine Paolini
- Elina Svitolina
- Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Belinda Bencic
- Linda Noskova
- Victoria Mboko
- Clara Tauson
- Liudmila Samsonova
- Emma Navarro
- Karolina Muchova
- Iva Jovic
Among these, six players have recently claimed WTA 1000 titles after Rybakina’s last win at the 2023 Italian Open. Notables include Amanda Anisimova, who won the 2025 Qatar and China Opens, Coco Gauff with titles in 2023 Cincinnati, 2024 China, and 2025 Wuhan, and Jessica Pegula, the 2023 and 2024 Canadian Open champion. Mirra Andreeva and Jasmine Paolini both secured victories at the Dubai Tennis Championships in recent years, while Victoria Mboko won the Canadian Open in 2025.
Rybakina will seek to add to her collection by capturing her third WTA 1000 trophy, highlighting her ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Elena Rybakina’s Track Record at the Dubai Tournament
Dubai has historically been one of Rybakina’s most favorable WTA 1000 events, equaling her performance at the Qatar Open. She has won 80% of her matches in Dubai, holding an 8-2 record and reaching the semifinals in the previous year.
Despite not yet reaching the final, her recent form suggests she is well-prepared to challenge for that milestone. Last season, she came closest by making it to the semifinal stage before being ousted by Mirra Andreeva.
Recent Form Boosts Rybakina’s Prospects at Dubai
Rybakina’s game has evolved significantly since the 2025 Dubai Championships. Midway through the 2025 season, she hit a notable peak, capturing the Ningbo Open in October and then securing the prestigious WTA Finals in November. She began 2026 strongly by winning the Australian Open in January, achievements that position her as one of the most formidable competitors on the women’s tour.
With two of her chief rivals, Swiatek and Sabalenka, absent from the Dubai field, the Kazakh player is poised to capitalize on this opportunity and potentially claim another important title.
The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships commence on Monday, February 16, setting the stage for an intriguing contest for the Elena Rybakina Dubai title.
