Week #7 preview: Dubai, Memphis, Bogota

Dubai (UAE), Premier, $2,000,000
As every year, big prize money attracts the best players to this tournament, which will feature 9 of the Top 10 players. The battle for the title will be between Russians Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva, Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, Americans Serena Williams and Venus Williams and Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, but surprises shouldn't be discarded. And Serena Williams will have to defend her #1 spot against Dinara Safina, who will look for a good result in order to close-up on Williams or even take the #1.

Memphis (USA), International, $220,000
Young sensations Caroline Wozniacki (WTA 12) and Victoria Azarenka (WTA 15) will be the biggest attractions and clear favourites to take the title in Memphis. They will be the top seeds and only Top 40 players here, although there are dangerous players around as Lucie Safarova, Anne Keothavong, Sabine Lisicki or Jelena Dokic, after her impressive comeback run in the Australian Open.

Bogota (COL), International, $220,000
The South American clay mini-season starts in Bogota, where Italian Flavia Pennetta (WTA #11) will be the top seed. On her way to the title, she will have to overcome Czech Kalara Zakopalova (5th seed), Argentinian Gisela Dulko (3rd seed), and the Spanish Armada composed of Carla Suarez (2nd seed), Nuria Llagostera (4th seed), Maria Jose Martinez (7th seed) and Lourdes Dominguez (8th seed). The crowd will cheer for local favourites Catalina Castaño and Mariana Duque.