WTA Dubai – Entry List: Serena Williams won't play. Halep leads the way

A very big entry list was released for the WTA Premier 5 of that will take place from 17 to 23 February 2019. As for Doha, Serena Williams, the 2009, 2010 and 2014 winner Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Sloane Stephens are not committed to play.

They are all set to be back for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Stephens is the only top ten player missing. Simona Halep leads the way, last year the Romanian withdrew at last minute and she will now seek her second title there after 2015 when she defeated Karolina Pliskova in the final.

Elina Svitolina will try to conquer a stunning third consecutive title after 2017 and 2018. The 2011 Caroline Wozniacki will play Dubai while she is not committed to Doha. The 2013 winner Petra Kvitova and the defending finalist Daria Kasatkina will be playing in Dubai too.

The world No. 55 Belinda Bencic is the last player to join the main draw entry list, Sofia Kenin is the first alternate. February should mark Sara Erranis comeback to competition after a doping ban. Who knows that the Italian, who won 2016, may not get a wild card.