Didn't realise Naomi was competing here. Not expecting much, but let's see what she can do.
Quite a good entry list for this event, now a WTA international event (boosted from a 125k event in late '17). Naomi played here in November 17, lost in the first round, but that period was pretty much the last time she's had good results, reaching a SF and QF in other 125k events later that month.
Wang Qiang withdrew the other day, but all 8 seeds are in the top 60 and it includes Muguruza, Garcia, Hsieh and Yastremska. Lisicki has a MDWC.
Last year he was recruited to be part of Sloane Stephens' team again. However, I never saw any sign of his active involvement and don't know whether that was how he completed the year. If he was part of her team think he was more a hitting partner and perhaps supported her on some of her travelling.
