Dubai Open upbeat on Williams, Sharapova absences: 'We have strong field'
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship Tournament Director Salah Talhak feels satisfied with the women's field that they have put in place for the upcoming edition that starts on February 19. Maria Sharapova, Serena and Venus Williams are the only top 30 players missing, but Talhak said that a world class level tennis event is expected to happen. Asked if they tried to bring these three big stars in, Talhak replied: 'We have not been in talks with any WTA players and we are delighted that the field is as strong as it is. This year we nine of the top ten and 27 of the top 30 WTA players entered, which is quite something and we are looking forward to a fantastic week.'
Kei Nishikori is committed to play in Dubai on the men's side. How can the tournament popularity increase in Japan thanks to him? Someone says that in his country Nishikori is as famous as Nadal and Federer around the world. 'It is fantastic to have Kei Nishikori here in Dubai for the first time, and of course we are delighted to welcome Naomi Osaka back too. We will certainly look at ways of raising their profiles both here in the UAE and amongst their Japanese fans all over the world.'
Talhak also wishes to have Nick Kyrgios back in the tournament: 'He played here in 2016 and made it to the semi-finals where he was defeated by our eventual champion Stan Wawrinka. He is an incredibly talented player and we hope to welcome him back again soon.'
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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2RKTDEC
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