Iga Swiatek credited lower-ranked players before explaining why the WTA schedule is a larger factor in top-ranked players getting upset.

Here’s some of our favorite ways to make the most out of next week’s tennis trip to Dubai. The first WTA 1000 of the year in Doha, Qatar saw its fair share of upsets from Ekaterina Alexandrova toppling Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova stunning Paula Badosa,

The MGM Rewards Slam will feature the WTA’s No. 1-ranked women’s player, Aryna Sabalenka, and the ATP’s No. 2-ranked men’s player, Alexander Zverev.

Yet, Sabalenka has not been herself lately. Not only is she in a slump after making it to the Australian Open finals, but she is showing signs of fatigue and frustration. Sabalenka is far from the only top-ranked player to struggle during the Middle East swing of the WTA schedule.

Sabalenka faces a possible opening-round rematch with Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated the world No. 1 last week in Doha.

The No. 2 seed pointed to the tight turnaround from the Australian Open as a factor in Middle East exits from top players like herself, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff.

Top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are on edge and lacking trust in the system following Sinner’s settlement resulting in a three-month ban.

Aryna Sabalenka admits she is "not sure" if she would be a good coach for Iga Swiatek but did mention that she could possibly help the Pole in the mental department. In case you missed iT, the five-time Grand Slam champion named the Belarusian as the rival she'd be open to hiring one day as a coach.

None of the WTA’s top three players have won a title this year. After recent struggles and upsets at the Australian Open, Dubai and Qatar Open, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka

Rybakina's tumultuous first two months will likely continue to loom over the WTA for the rest of 2025, and beyond.

Sabalenka secured her first year-end World No. 1 ranking in 2024 and kicked off the new season with a title-winning run in Brisbane. She carried that momentum into the Australian Open but fell just short of a historic three-peat, narrowly losing to Madison Keys in the final.

Iga Swiatek warns the WTA about the toll of a packed schedule, as she, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka face unexpected struggles. Discover the challenges reshaping women’s tennis.