Serena takes Dubai wildcard

Originally published on 14/02/14

The world No.1 has not played since her shock fourth-round defeat to Ana Ivanovic at the Australian Open, where she struggled with the injury and was forced to withdraw from the Qatar Total Open after failing to recover in time.

"There is no greater player in the world today than Serena Williams, and although she has reached an age when many players would be thinking of retiring, her career is going from strength to strength," Colm McLoughlin of Dubai Duty Free said.

"Last year she won an astonishing 34 consecutive matches, the longest winning streak of her career and the second longest of any player this century."

Williams' sister Venus has also taken a wildcard for the WTA Premier event, where she is a two-time champion.

Reigning champion Petra Kvitova will defend her title at the Aviation Club, while 2012 winner Agnieszka Radwanska is also scheduled to play alongside other Top Ten players Sara Errani, Jelena Jankovic, Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep. 

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