At least four winners of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will be bidding to regain or retain their crown when play gets underway in the WTA Premier 5 event on 15th February.
Defending champion Venus Williams has lifted the trophy on no fewer than three occasions, first claiming the title in 2009. She returned the next year and swept to the title without dropping a set, defeating Victoria Azarenka in the final. Then last year she became the first wild card and first unseeded player in the history of the women's event to win the title.
In 2011, Caroline Wozniacki won the title by not giving up a set all week as she finished her run with victory over former French and US Open champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova. In 2012, the title went to Agnieszka Radwanska and in 2013 the title went to Petra Kvitova.
"The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has consistently attracted the very best players in the world, and it takes an enormous effort to overcome such a talented field and win the title," said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organisers.
Tournament Director Salah Tahlak added, "All four champions will without doubt be very strong contenders for the title once again, but they face some formidable opposition in world number one Serena Williams and French Open and WTA Finals runner-up Simona Halep, as well as US and Australian Open semi-finalist, Ekaterina Makarova, recent Brisbane finalist, Ana Ivanovic and 2015 Sydney semi-finalist, Angelique Kerber. Competition will be very tough indeed." Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships begins with the WTA event, which takes place between 15th and 21st February. Play then continues between 23rd and 28th February with the action-packed ATP tournament featuring Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Source: WAM