Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Qatar Open
Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the Qatar Open in Doha, which begins on February 13 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
After winning her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne, Aryna Sabalenka pulled out from the 2023 Qatar Open in Doha. The new world no. 2 and currently the leading player of the WTA Race in 2023 won in Doha before, when she defeated Petra Kvitova in the 2020 final.
However, the defending champion of the tournament is world no. 1, Iga Swiatek, who defeated Anett Kontaveit in the final last year. With absence of the Belarusian, Swiatek may find easier journey to defending her title, but it also guarantees her, that she will keep her no. 1 spot for longer.
On the other hand, Sabalenka will want to prepare for the upcoming WTA 1000 events, where she can increase her lead as the WTA Race leader even further. First, players will travel to Dubai and then they will compete in Indian Wells and Miami.
After her first major triumph, Sabalenka chose to rest her body, as she started the 2023 season by winning eleven consecutive matches, while dropping only one set along the way.
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