Among the most impressive ATP stars early this week were Tomas Berdych, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Thomaz Bellucci, while Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray struggled.
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Can the world No. 18 and Marseille champion back up his boast that he can reach the top ATP ranking?
While Venus Williams cruised smoothly to the Dubai title, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic continued their verbal sparring.
Titles this week went to Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Marin Cilic, and Ernests Gulbis.
The former US Open champion voiced objections to the team competition that might resonate with other ATP stars.
Two former world No. 1s have enjoyed encouraging weeks in Dubai, where they will meet in the semifinals.
ATP tournaments in Delray Beach, Rio, and Marseille have produced some unlikely heroes, ranging from Rhyne Williams to Jan-Lennard Struff.
John Isner struggled through, and Sam Querrey succumbed, but Rhyne Williams shone in Delray Beach.
While 20-year-old Annika Beck broke through on the Persian Gulf, Francesca Schiavone dueled with Lourdes Dominguez for the third different decade.
Rarely successful at the ATP level before, the Dutchman broke through with a semifinal that raised him near the top 50.