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While Swiatek won it for a second consecutive time, it was Sabalenka's third straight loss in the final in Stuttgart.
The 24-year-old said she kept away from the internet as much as possible to avoid reading negative comments.
The decision of the WTA -- which has endured eight-figure losses in 2020 and 2021 but not as much last year -- comes as men's tennis also prepares to return to China later in 2023 after a break due to COVID-19.
By winning her 30th career title, the former world No. 2 Kvitova will now re-enter the top 10 for the first time since September, 2021.
The 33-year-old said the reason behind her panic attack was a conversation she had days earlier with the WTA chief executive Steve Simon about tennis's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The exhibition games were watched by eminent personalities, including union law minister Kiren Rijiju and former India cricket team captain Mohammed Azharuddin.
Krejcikova will climb from No. 30 to 16 on Monday after beating the top-ranked Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2 in Saturday's Dubai final.
Sania and her American doubles partner Madison Keys lost their Dubai Tennis Championships first round match to Veronika Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova.
The 36-year-old Sania, who turned Pro in 2003, walks out of competitive tennis with six Grand Slam titles, including three women's doubles with Swiss legend Martina Hingis.
Sania, who is bidding adieu to the game after the ongoing Dubai Tennis Championships, says she never had the fear of losing in her heart because it makes a player defensive.