WTA Dubai: Pliskova and Svitolina lead the field
After Doha is before Dubai. A WTA 1000 event is taking place in the United Arab Emirates these days - with many well-known players in the main field.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 07, 2021, 06:48 pm
The field in Dubai is led by the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who has already triumphed twice in Dubai. But on the way to title number three, the fifth in the world rankings got in the way of an absolute top player early on. After a bye in the first round, Svitolina could meet the former world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova in the round of the last 32.
The Czech Karolina Pliskova starts the race as number two in the United Arab Emirates. The 28-year-old will also only start the tournament in round two, starting with the winner of the clash between Bernarda Pera and Anastasija Svevastova. Victoria Azarenka could wait in the quarter-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek would be likely opponents in the semi-finals.
Swiatek before duel with Muguruza
The latter will probably also be one of the favorites in Dubai. Despite the defeat against Simona Halep at the Australian Open, the Polish woman has been in great shape so far in the calendar year 2021. Swiatek will probably need this too, as already in round three there could be a clash with Garbine Muguruza, who failed to Petra Kvitova in the Doha final on Saturday.
The Czech will start the race as number four in Dubai and could face the "big hitter" Ons Jabeur from Tunisia in lap three, possible opponent in the quarter-final would be the Dutch Kiki Bertens. As part of the top draw, Kvitova could eventually face number one of the tournament, Elina Svitolina, in the semifinals.