Latvian tennis player Jelena Ostapenko, alongside her Taiwanese partner, was seeded third in the Dubai 1000-point doubles tournament but did not play in the second-round match against Taiwanese Hao-Ching Chan and Danish Clara Tauson. This comes on the heels of Ostapenko's participation in the singles match, where she lost in the first round to Anna Kalinskaya, a player from an aggressor nation, with a score of 6-2, 1-6, 4-6. Ostapenko's performance in the singles has drawn notable attention, given the geopolitical tensions surrounding Russian athletes in competitions.

Despite the setback in Dubai, Ostapenko is currently ranked 27th in the WTA, while her opponent Kalinskaya is ranked 23rd. The tournament is being played on hard courts, which can be a critical factor affecting players' performances, especially after their singles matches. Ostapenko's withdrawal from the doubles event further emphasizes the challenges she faces as she competes in a crowded field of strong players.

Overall, Ostapenko's decision to withdraw from the doubles event may reflect her need to recover after her singles loss and reassess her performance. The implications of her participation in competitive tournaments are not just limited to her standings but also resonate with the ongoing discussions about athletes associated with politically charged backgrounds, particularly in light of the current international climate surrounding sports.