Sports
Aryna Sabalenka may skip Dubai event after director's criticism
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates a point over Linda Noskova during their semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 13, 2026. Aryna Sabalenka didn’t mince words when asked about Dubai this week, saying criticism tied to her February withdrawal has left her questioning whether she’ll return to the event at all.
“I’m not sure if I ever want to go back there after his comment. For me it’s too much,” the world No. 1 said Tuesday at the Miami Open.
Sabalenka’s frustration stems from remarks by Dubai Tennis Championships tournament director Salah Tahlak after she and Iga Swiatek pulled out of the WTA 1000 event in February.
“It was an unfortunate surprise last night to get news of the withdrawal of Aryna and Iga,” Tahlak told The National in February. “And the reasons for withdrawal were a bit strange. Iga said she wasn’t mentally ready to compete, while Sabalenka said she has some minor injuries. I think there should be a harsher punishment on the players (for withdrawing). Not just fines — they should be docked ranking points.”
In Miami, Sabalenka called that stance “ridiculous” and said it reflects a bigger disconnect between tournaments and the players they rely on.
“For me it’s so funny — not so ‘funny,’ it’s actually so sad — to see that the tournament director and the tournaments are not protecting us, as the players,” she said. “They just care about their sellings, about their tournament, and that’s it.”
Sabalenka framed her decision to skip Dubai as part of a deliberate shift to protect her body in a calendar she believes is becoming unsustainably packed.
“I feel like scheduling, it’s too crazy,” she said, explaining the need for planned gaps to “reset, recharge” and build toward the biggest events.
The WTA echoed this concern in a statement, saying: “Athlete well-being is a top priority for the WTA,” and noting the formation of a Tour Architecture Council with recommendations to be put into action as soon as the 2027 season.
If Sabalenka were to follow through and skip Dubai going forward, it wouldn’t be a simple calendar tweak. WTA 1000s are mandatory events, and missing one results in an immediate ranking hit because a player receives zero points for that tournament week. It’s part of the structure the WTA uses to keep top players in its biggest non-Slam fields. Elite players are required to play the four majors, a set number of WTA 500s, and all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments.
For now, Sabalenka is focused on Miami — but her message to Dubai was clear. If the cost of prioritizing health is public scolding, she’s willing to take her schedule elsewhere.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Kylian Mbappe: Knee is 100%, 'false things were said'
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid’s game against Sevilla in Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, on Dec. 20, 2025 .
French striker Kylian Mbappe disputed reports about the severity of the left knee sprain that has limited his availability of late for Real Madrid.
“My knee is fine. It’s getting better,” he said at a promotional event in France on Monday. “It’s going quite well, and I know there’s been a lot of speculation about it and some false things have been said.
“It’s the life of a top athlete, and we’re used to people saying things without verifying them or having any basis in fact.”
Mbappe, 27, came off the bench in Real Madrid’s two most recent matches: Sunday’s 3-2 La Liga defeat of Atletico Madrid and a 2-1 win at Manchester City on March 17 in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match.
His last appearance before that, and his most recent start, was on Feb. 21. In 24 La Liga matches this season, Mbappe has 23 goals and four assists.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is on the roster for France’s upcoming friendlies in the United States against Brazil (March 26) and Colombia (March 29).
–Field Level Media
Sports
Falcons add veteran Trevor Siemian to QB room
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (14) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The Atlanta Falcons are signing veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian, his agent confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Siemian, 34, adds depth behind newcomer Tua Tagovailoa and 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
Terms weren’t disclosed for Siemian, who last appeared in an NFL regular-season game in 2023 with the New York Jets. He spent most of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.
Siemian is 15-18 as a starter, completing 58.5% of his passes for 7,751 yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in 40 games with the Denver Broncos (2015-17), Jets (2019, 2023), New Orleans Saints (2021) and Chicago Bears (2022). He has rushed for 251 yards and two scores.
The Broncos drafted Siemian in the seventh round in 2015.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal
Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Arkansas All-American Darius Acuff Jr. has a deal with Reebok to become the first NCAA men’s athlete to land a signature shoe from a major U.S. brand while still in college.
Reebok head of basketball Jide Osifeso confirmed the historic agreement with ESPN on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old freshman for the Razorbacks, Acuff was named the 2025-26 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year after becoming the first player to lead the league in points and assists per game since LSU legend Pete Maravich in 1969-70.
After winning the SEC tournament, Arkansas has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Razorbacks (28-8) face West Region No. 1 seed Arizona (34-2) on Thursday night in San Jose, Calif.
The 6-foot-3 Acuff is averaging 23.3 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games (all starts) this season while shooting 44.6% from 3-point range.
The Detroit native is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Acuff becomes the first men’s basketball player to receive a signature shoe with Reebok since John Wall, according to ESPN.
–Field Level Media
Kylian Mbappe: Knee is 100%, 'false things were said'
Falcons add veteran Trevor Siemian to QB room
