DUBAI: Three former Grand Slam champions will continue their march back to the top of the game when the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships begins in just over a week.

Samantha Stosur, Ana Ivanovic and Li Na have all experienced the glory of lifting the trophy at the end of a Grand Slam event, one of the biggest dreams of any tennis player when they have picked up a racquet and then come to realise that they have an exceptional talent.

To come through a grueling two weeks of tough competition with seven victories is the ultimate challenge, but maintaining that level of intensity can be even more demanding.

“Samantha Stosur, Ana Ivanovic and Li Na have all proved themselves not only to be great champions at the highest level of the game, but have shown great courage and fortitude in fighting back from adversity,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

“So far none of the three have managed to win the title here, but they are all clearly a threat in what is one of the strongest fields of players ever gathered at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.”