Get ready as we take you through a lively preview of the Dubai Duty Free Championship, set to unfold from Monday 19 February to Sunday 25 February.
Slinging from Doha to the dazzling city of Dubai, the Aviation Club Tennis Centre will once again be the proud host of this prestigious 18th edition of the event. The tournament has faced some shake-ups with a number of last-minute withdrawals, a knock-on effect of a grueling schedule featuring Fed Cup matches along with regular tour battles. Notable absentees include Simona Halep, Madison Keys, and Julia Goerges.
The absence of the graceful Maria Sharapova also dims the spotlight a little, but fear not! Six of the world’s top 10 women players are still in the draw, including the reigning champ Elina Svitolina. The top four seeds enjoy a well-earned bye in a singles draw consisting of 28 talented players.
Rewind: Past Champions
2017: Elina Svitolina
2016: Sara Errani
2015: Simona Halep
2014: Venus Williams
2013: Petra Kvitova
First Quarter Finalists – Seeded Players: Elina Svitolina (1), Kristina Mladenovic (8)
While Elina Svitolina has yet to find her peak form this season, she heads into a challenging quarter, especially with the revitalised Petra Kvitova unseeded this time. Following a bye, Svitolina may face the tough Kiki Bertens initially, and both Kvitova and Mladenovic lie in wait. Kvitova’s recent wins in St Petersburg and Qatar, however rewarding, might have taken a toll, possibly handing Svitolina an edge to advance. Bet on: Elina Svitolina to progress.
Second Quarter – Seeded Players: Karolina Pliskova (3), Angelique Kerber (6)
This looks like a more clear-cut quarter, with Pliskova and Kerber favourites to meet in the quarters. Pliskova’s expected first match is against veteran Suarez-Navarro while Kerber could be tested by Barbora Strycova. Between them, Kerber leads with a 6-3 head-to-head, winning their last two encounters, currently showing better form. Bet on: Angelique Kerber to progress.
Third Quarter – Seeded Players: Johanna Konta (7), Jelena Ostapenko (5)
The third quarter is ripe for surprises with both seeds comparatively vulnerable this year. Konta showed glimpses of form in Qatar but has largely underperformed, while Ostapenko struggles to find consistency after last year’s French Open upset. The battle here is wide open with former World No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska looming as a potential giant killer. Bet on: Agnieszka Radwanska to progress.
Fourth Quarter – Seeded Players: Garbine Muguruza (2), Caroline Garcia (8)
Muguruza will head into Dubai bolstered by a strong performance in Doha, despite a loss in the final. She shares this quarter with Caroline Garcia, who she defeated recently. Muguruza is set to face either Catherine Bellis or Aussie Open semi-finalist Elise Mertens in a tough opener, while Garcia has former Grand Slam finalist Lucie Safarova to beat first. Bet on: Garbine Muguruza to progress.
First Round Highlights & Upset Alerts
Petra Kvitova (7/20) vs Anett Kontaveit (19/10)
For value punters, Kontaveit looks like decent value given Kvitova’s busy schedule and possible fatigue after back-to-back wins.
Johanna Konta (4/10) vs Anastastia Pavlyuchenkova (18/10)
Konta has struggled both with fitness and form, making Pavlyuchenkova an appealing bet at these odds.
Caroline Garcia (11/20) vs Lucie Safarova (13/10)
Garcia looked promising recently but Safarova’s steady improvement could make this a tight contest worth backing at 13/10.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.net
