In pictures: Early action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Caroline Wozniacki played her first round match against German Sabine Lisicki, winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Ali Haider / EPA

Ana Ivanovic played Angelique Kerber of Germany in her first round match, winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-6. Kamran Jebreili / AP

Simona Halep had to retire from her first round match against Alize Cornet of France with an ankle injury. Ali Haider / EPA

Venus Williams prepares to serve during her first round match against Elena Vesnina of Russia, which she won 6-3, 6-2. Kamran Jebreili / AP

A shot of Dubai Tennis Stadium during the first day of play on Monday. Warren Little / Getty Images

Wozniacki poses in traditional Emirati dress during the player's party on Tuesday. Warren Little / Getty Images

Jelena Jankovic plays a shot during her first round match against Ukrainian Maryna Zanevska, which she won 6-4, 6-3. Warren Little / Getty Images

Angelique Kerber prepares to return a shot during her first round loss to Ana Ivanovic. Kamran Jebreili / AP

Serena Williams serves during her second round win over Ekaterina Makarova on Tuesday. Warren Little / Getty Images

From left, Czechs Petra Kvitova, Lucie Safarova and Andrea Hlavackova pose with a falcon in traditional dress at Tuesday's player's party. Warren Little / Getty Images

Sloane Stephens plays a serve during her first round match against Lucie Safarova, which she lost 3-6, 5-7. Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters

Ana Ivanovc reacts after beating Angelique Kerber on Tuesday. Sarah Dea / The National

Venus Williams is shown a falcon at the player's party on Tuesday. Warren Little / Getty Images

Sloane Stephens casts a shadow on the court during her match on Monday. Warren Little / Getty Images

Sabine Lisicki tosses the bal to serve during her loss to Caroline Wozniacki on Tuesday. Ali Haider / EPA

Venus Williams plays a shot during her win over Elena Vesnina on Monday. Kamran Jebreili / AP

Serena Williams watches her sister Venus play on Monday. Kamran Jebreili / AP

Ekaterina Makarova returns a shot during her loss to Serena Williams on Tuesday. Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters

Ana Ivanovic plays a shot during her first round victory on Tuesday. Ali Haider / EPA

Craoline Wozniacki conducts an interview during the player's party on Tuesday. Warren Little / Getty Images

Serena Williams during her second round triumph on Tuesday. Kamran Jebreili / AP

The WTA event kicked off the Dubai Tennis Championships over the past two days, with stars such as Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki headlining the event.