Mauresmo set to add glamour to Dubai Open

Dubai: The buzz and excitement of the $3 million Dubai Tennis Championships continued to build yesterday with the announcement former Australian Open winner Amelie Mauresmo has been confirmed for the tournament.

Mauresmo, the current world No 3 and 2002 Dubai title holder, has received a wild card from event owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

The injection of Mauresmo adds to what is already an outstanding field of top stars that are set to play in the Middle East's showpiece tennis event.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, owners and organisers of the event, said he was delighted with the inclusion of Mauresmo.

"Having Amelie join us again is wonderful news for the tournament and will add even more excitement to what is sure to be a memorable week of women's tennis," he said.

"Her inclusion also further confirms how popular this event has become with the world's leading players and we are absolutely delighted with the line-up we have for this year's event."

Top players

Mauresmo's inclusion adds to what will be intriguing battle between some of the world's top players when play gets under way from Monday. Headlining the Women's Open is defending champion Justine Henin, who is in the hunt for her fourth Dubai title.

Also in the mix will be big-hitting Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, Swiss tennis star Martina Hingis and the speedy Patty Schnyder. Players have already started arriving for the event, with Daniela Hantuchova looking in impressive touch during her training session at the Dubai Tennis Stadium yesterday.