Serena Williams hopes to shrug off the disappointment of her Qatar Open final defeat by celebrating her return to the world No 1 spot after more than 2 1/2 years with victory in the Dubai Open.

The 31-year-old American's performances have belied her status as the oldest No 1 in the history of the women's game, as she came from the edge of defeat to survive against Petra Kvitova and depose Victoria Azarenka from the pinnacle.

Williams, (pictured) who lost to Azarenka in Sunday's Qatar final, could now face both again over the next few days.