​Star-studded tennis tournament to kick off in Ningbo

The posters of tennis superstars set to participate in the 2023 WTA Ningbo Open. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

The 2023 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Ningbo Open is set to take place at the Yinzhou Tennis Center in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from Sept 23 to 30, as announced during a press conference on Sept 6.

The tournament will feature women's singles and women's doubles categories, with 32 main draw slots and 24 qualifying slots for singles, along with 16 slots for doubles. There is $250,000 in prize money on offer, and the singles champion will be awarded 280 ranking points.

A total of 109 players from over 30 countries and regions have registered to compete, displaying a diverse and international lineup. Among them, 38 players hold formidable rankings in the top 100 globally, with 12 of them ranking in the top 50. The participation of distinguished players like Petra Kvitova and Anastasia Potapova further enhances the event's prestige.

Zheng Jie, the celebrated Chinese tennis player, has been honored with the role of the tournament's ambassador. Zheng Jie has a remarkable track record, having triumphed in the women's doubles championships at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. Additionally, she reached the semifinals in the singles events at Wimbledon in 2008 and the Australian Open in 2010.

During the press conference, the WTA Ningbo Open logo was unveiled, adding even more excitement to the event.

Ningbo, over the past decade, has successfully hosted 12 international tennis events, hosting two WTA 125-level tournaments in 2013 and 2014. This year's 250-level tournament puts an end to Zhejiang's longtime lack of a WTA Tour event, as expressed by Zhang Ni, director of the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Sports.