DUBAI - Holder Simona Halep is back to head a field at the Dubai Tennis Championships which has been seriously weakened by the late withdrawals of Serena Williams and Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber What had looked to be a strong start to the post-Melbourne season began deteriorating last week as the pullouts due to various aliments and injuries mounted prior to Monday's first day at the Aviation Club. In addition to world number one Williams and Germany's Kerber, other absentees include 2012 champion Agnieszka Radwanska, Russian star Maria Sharapova and 2011 winner Caroline Wozniacki.
Halep, second seeded Garbine Muguruza, her fellow Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro and number four Petra Kvitova all have byes into the second round.
Due to late decisions and changes of heart, Halep, Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova all needed wild cards into the draw.