US Edition
Canada’s Fernandez Ousted in Dubai, While Mboko Withdraws From WTA 1000 Event
Leylah Fernandez lost after serve struggles and Janice Tjen converted four of nine break points; Victoria Mboko withdrew due to a right-elbow injury.
- Feb. 16, 2026: Leylah Fernandez, Canadian player, was eliminated in the Dubai Round of 32 after losing 7-6 , 6-4 to Janice Tjen.
- Victoria Mboko withdrew from Dubai on Monday citing a right-elbow injury, prompting seven lucky losers including Kamilla Rakhimova and Peyton Stearns to fill the main draw.
- Match figures reveal Tjen converted four of nine break chances, while Fernandez recorded six aces, six double faults, and 39% second-serve points won.
- The spate of withdrawals prompted debate over penalties, with Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak saying `I think a fine will not do anything` after top players pulled out.
- Broader debate over scheduling intensified after recent withdrawals, with critics blaming the 11-month seasons and the Professional Tennis Players' Association describing conditions as "unsustainable," while the WTA says athlete welfare is a priority.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Rising star Victoria Mboko pulls out of Dubai championships
Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko has withdrawn from the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a right-elbow injury, becoming the seventh player to pull out of the tournament—just hours after cracking the WTA top 10 for the first time in her career.
Winnipeg Free Press
Canada's Fernandez ousted in Dubai, while Mboko withdraws from WTA 1000 event
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Tennis-Lucky losers step in as withdrawals shake Dubai draw, reignite calendar debate
Feb 16 (Reuters) - Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday, becoming the latest prominent player to be ruled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes and leaving seven lucky losers to fill the depleted main draw. Read full story
Lucky losers step in as withdrawals shake Dubai draw, reignite calendar debate
Feb 16 - Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday, becoming the latest prominent player to be ruled out due to injury, illness or scheduling changes and leaving seven lucky losers to fill the depleted main draw. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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