Serena Williams Commits to Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

Image courtesy of Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

Serena Williams has never won the Dubai Tennis Championships, but if the eight-time Grand Slam champion gets her way, she’ll win the title in 2008.

Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship officials announced on Tuesday that Serena Williams has entered the tournament and will compete alongside Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, and 2008 Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova.

In her previous appearance in 2005 Serena reached the semi-finals, but then had to retire against Jelena Jankovic with an injury. Now she’s returning to Dubai to make a second attempt to claim that elusive title.

“I do remember I had a splendid time and the fun I had off the court going to the Gold Souk and Wild Wadi and just hanging out,” said Williams.

Although Serena is considered a title favorite at any tournament she enters, she will however face strong competition from reigning Dubai, French and US Open champion Justine Henin, Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova, super Serbs Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, and 2007 US Open runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova.

“Serena Williams is one of the biggest stars in the world of tennis, and her reputation has been well earned,” said Colm McLoughlin, managing director of tournament owners and organizers Dubai Duty Free.

“We are delighted that she once again included Dubai in her busy schedule and wish her well.”

Play at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, begins on February 25, 2008 with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament, and is followed by the ATP event from March 3rd to 8th.

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