Kiki Bertens (22 WTA)

Although he had a good run at Hobart, where he managed to reach the sferutir, Dutch-born player was disappointed at the Australian Open. Although started as favorite in the confrontation with Lepchenko (88 WTA), Kiki was eliminated in the first round to it after two highly disputed sets (7-5, 7-6). Taking off for the first time at the tournament in Russia, hopes to make Lost Kiki performance in Melbourne and get the third victory of the season.

In tournaments played in the hall, it earned in 2016 three wins in seven matches played. All victories in the tournament came from Luxembourg, where he managed to reach the semifinals. Six of the seven games were concluded in just two sets.

Annika Beck (50 WTA)

Although the paricipat three tournaments in the beginning of this year, German-born player was not able to achieve any victory. Moreover, in Auckland, Hobart and the Australian Open, she won 18 games in total, but failed to win the set any. Situated in a noticeable lack of form, Beck hopes to end this black series in St. Petersburg, where he reached the second round in 2016. Attendance last year was only so far in the tournament in Russia.