Osaka and defending champion Krejcikova withdraw from Dubai Tennis Championships

Barbora Krejcikova will not return to defend her Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title after organisers confirmed she and former world No 1 Naomi Osaka had withdrawn from the tournament.

“We regret to inform you that Barbora Krejcikova and Naomi Osaka have pulled out of this year’s tournament," an official statement read. "We wish both players the best of luck for the rest of the 2024 season and look forward to seeing both players return to Dubai in the near future."

Krejcikova, the world No 12, had been scheduled to compete in the full Middle East swing but after reaching the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarter-finals last week, she pulled out of her first-round match at the Qatar Open and has confirmed she will not play in Dubai either.

“It's with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Dubai tournament,” the Czech said. “This decision wasn't easy, especially given my fond memories and anticipation to compete again. However, my back injury requires further healing time. But I am committed to returning stronger next year.”

Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, stunned Iga Swiatek in last year's final, defeating the world No 1 6-4, 6-2 to win the sixth singles title of her career. The 28-year-old, also a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has had a good start to the season, reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before losing to eventual winner Aryna Sabalenka.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka also confirmed that she will not be competing at the tournament next week.

“I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this season,” she said. “I have loved playing in Dubai in previous years, and I want to wish the tournament organisers a successful