The Swede enjoyed a phenomenal season last year, with his victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates ensuring that he became the first man to win the PGA Tour's FedExCup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai in the same year.
Stenson has been unable to reproduce the same form in 2014 but, although world number one Rory McIlroy has already won the Race to Dubai trophy, the 38-year-old is determined to seal his maiden victory of the year and retain a title for the first time in his career.
"Last year was very special and I know it can't be as special this year because Rory has already won the overall race," Stenson said.
"But I can make it a very special week for myself by playing well here and hopefully give myself a chance to win. I haven't defended a title as of yet, so I couldn't think of a much better place to do it than here this week.
"I'm pretty pleased with the overall performance this year. It was always going to be a tough one and, especially early in the season, it was tough.
"I was battling a bit of fatigue and when you're tired you don't have the energy to practice and get going with the game and then it just becomes a bit of a bad cycle.
"From late spring onwards it's been quite all right and I contended in a few events and had a couple of strong results.
"Overall it's not a bad season by any means. I think I got close to 200 world ranking points on the board, which is always a good indicator for a strong season. It's a win that's missing and hopefully I can take the opportunity here."