Serena Williams hopes to shrug off the disappointment of her Qatar Open final defeat by celebrating her return to the world No.1 spot after more than two-and-a-half years with victory in the Dubai Open.
The 31-year-old American’s performances have belied her status as the oldest No.1 in the history of the women’s game, as she came from the edge of defeat to survive against Petra Kvitova and depose Victoria Azarenka from the pinnacle.
Williams, who lost 7-6 (8-6) 2-6 6-3 to Azarenka in Sunday’s Qatar final, could face both again over the next few days.
The 15-times grand slam winner is seeded to meet Azarenka in the final for the second time in seven days and the Dubai draw offers the likelihood of another meeting with Kvitova, the Czech Wimbledon champion, who led 4-1 in the final set of their quarter-final in Doha on Friday.
Williams’ recent achievements are remarkable, after the pulmonary embolism which almost ended her career, and the persistent back and ankle injuries which harmed her chances at the Australian Open.
“I never thought I would be playing at 31, although I don’t feel 31. I don’t know where the time went.
“I never, never, never thought I would still be out here, but I have nothing else to do,” she admitted.
“I’m pretty good at tennis still, so why not? I’d just rather I didn’t sit at home all day.”
Williams showed great commitment with her physical recovery and competitive intensity on Saturday as she overwhelmed Maria Sharapova in the Doha semi-finals.
Even though Sharapova is absent from Dubai, the draw looks harder from the start for Williams, as she should face Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli, the former Wimbledon finalist.
If Williams is to have a semi-final rematch with Kvitova, the sixth-seeded Czech would probably have to get past Agnieszka Radwanska, the world No.4 from Poland who is the titleholder.
And if Williams’ rematch with Azarenka is to happen, the Australian Open champion might have to survive an opener with Nadia Petrova, the in-form top-20 Russian, and a quarter-final with Angelique Kerber, the fourth-seeded German or Australian US Open champion Samantha Stosur.
Azarenka is not upset at losing the No.1 ranking to Williams.
“That’s so out of my hands,” she said. “I have been playing really well, so why should I be frustrated? A ranking is a ranking. It just is how it turns out.”
Azarenka, who beat Williams only for the second time in 13 meetings, was also comfortable with paying a fulsome tribute to her American rival.
“She really changed the women’s game, really lifted up the level,” the 23-year-old Belarusian said.
“She’s a legend. I don’t know where I’m going to be at 31. Hopefully not playing tennis, but it’s definitely an incredible achievement.”
