WTA Betting: Back Kvitova to be crowned champion in Dubai

Kvitova starts as second favourite for the tournament

There's a wide open look to the betting in Dubai after Serena Williams withdrew from the tournament - Abelson Info make their pick for the winner...

The field in Dubai received a boost to their chances after it was confirmed that world number one and Australian Open champion Serena Williams would not be participating in the tournament.

The American star was forced to sit out last week's Fed Cup tie with a persistent cough, and it appears as though she hasn't recovered sufficiently to take part.

Meanwhile, after receiving a wild card to enter, world number seven Eugenie Bouchard was also forced to withdraw and so the remaining stars taking part will be hopeful of making the most of the weakened draw.

Even without Williams, there is star attraction a plenty as the likes of Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic and several others will be looking to secure a tournament win.

Defending champion Venus Williams is back too but she will face a difficult run in order to defend her crown against some of the top names on the tour.

Halep has been handed the top seed in the absence of both Serena and Sharapova, but we believe that this might just be Petra Kvitova's time to shine.

Although there are big names scattered right across the draw, the Czech star benefits from being in the bottom half away from a stacked top section which includes the likes of Halep, Wozniacki, Stosur, Pennetta and Kerber.

It will be far from easy for her given the level of competition she will also encounter from the quarter-finals onwards, but she may well be one to watch as the tournament progresses.

We also like the chances of Caroline Wozniacki, as despite the difficulty of her draw, the Dane traditionally thrives at this level and she is a former champion after winning here back in 2011.

Kvitova also won recently after defeating Errani in the final in 2013, while Agnieszka Radwanska was crowned champion the year before.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Venus has three titles to her name in Dubai, and so it is evident that she loves this venue. Coupled with her recent form, she is undoubtedly enjoying her tennis and has returned to being a threat to her rivals.

With no Serena to overshadow her, this could be an interesting week for the elder Williams sibling, but we will keep faith in Kvitova as she goes in search of her 16th WTA career title.

If you are looking for an outside bet, there are a number of WTA rising stars involved in the tournament, with Camila Giorgi, Caroline Garcia and Gabrine Muguruza all worth consideration.

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