The WTA’s top players have gathered in Dubai this week to play the Premier-level Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.
Caroline Wozniacki is the top seed, with Li Na the seed in her quarter and Elena Dementieva or defending champ Venus Williams her potential semifinal opponents. Svetlana Kuznetsova anchors the second half of the draw with Agnieszka Radwanska in her quarter and Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azarenka possible in the semis. Both Dinara Safina and Serena Williams have pulled out of the tournament due to injury and Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters won’t return to the tour until March. Here are some photos of the ladies from the WTA media day.
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Interesting to hear that Jelena Jankovic is hoping her recent relocation to Dubai will help improve her results. She fired her coach, Ricardo Sanchez, after the Australian Open, another indication that she’s looking for a fresh start:
“This has been deliberate (relocating to Dubai) and it has been entirely my move,” Jankovic stated. (via Gulf News)
“I’ve played some good tennis here in the past and the crowd support has always been a strong motivation for me. I am looking forward to a good performance here this year.”
Venus Williams via The Canadian Post:
“I may not have won many tournaments but I came close to winning a couple of big ones last year,” Williams said. “Obviously, I go into each tournament wanting to win. And I am aware that I haven’t won a Grand Slam tournament, apart from Wimbledon, for some time.”
Caroline Wozniacki via Gulf News: “I haven’t reached No.1 as yet. But if I do reach there without winning a Grand Slam only means that I have good and consistent results during the season. I just think you have to be happy with what you have achieved and be proud of it.”
Click here for the tournament website.
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