New Zhengzhou tennis complex to host WTA tour event

February 9, 2019

A new state-of-the-art tennis venue will be built in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou after the Women's Tennis Association confirmed it will stage a tournament there later this year.

Due for completion in 2020, the facility will include an 8,000 seat stadium.

The new tournament will take place the week following the US Open and will offer US$1 million in prize money in 2019 and US$1.5 million in 2020.

Operated by APG, Central Plains Tennis Centre and the China Open, the Zhengzhou event represents a stronger player flow on the global calendar as the WTA Tour transitions to Asia in advance of the season-ending WTA Finals Shenzhen.

Commenting on the new event, APG President Charles Hsiung stated "the Zhengzhou Open marks a huge milestone for the growth of tennis in the Asian region and particularly in China. APG’s great history and experience with tennis will allow us to showcase yet another premier event in the region. We also want to thank the WTA for trusting in APG and giving Zhengzhou, Henan, the opportunity to showcase itself to the world.

"Together with the Chinese Tennis Association, Henan Sport Bureau, Zhengzhou Municipal Government and Central Plain Tennis Centre, we are all committed to ensuring that the Zhengzhou Open will be held at the highest possible level at a world class facility."

The Zhengzhou Open replaces the Connecticut Open in the USA which will not take place in 2019.

The tournament, a celebrated event on the WTA calendar for 21 years, made the decision to sell its sanction after its financial model became unviable without a title sponsor.

The 2019 WTA calendar features 55 tournaments across 29 countries and record prize money of over $164 million. The international breadth of tournaments includes 22 events in Europe, 11 events in the Americas and 20 events in the Asia-Pacific region.

24th January 2019 - Tennis Australia and Asian Tennis Federation establish working group to develop game in Asia-Pacific

18th January 2018 - Shenzhen to replace Singapore as venue for WTA Finals

5th September 2017 - Gemba Chief Executive calls for a fifth tennis Grand Slam in China

12th July 2016 - Malaysia farewells another international sporting event

21st June 2016 - Chinese professional sports market to reach US$242 billion by 2025

6th November 2015 - Populous designed Zhuhai tennis venue hosts its first international event

30th October 2015 - Overseas attendance growth for WTA Finals Singapore

20th October 2015 - WTA moves quickly to appoint Steve Simon as new Chief Executive

15th October 2014 - Australian Open steps up marketing to Chinese tennis lovers

28th February 2014 - WTA to launch Singapore-based tennis development program

27th January 2013 - Dawn of the Asian century of tennis

6th July 2011 - Asian first as HKCEC’s Wallace joins the ‘Hall of Leaders’

8th July 2010 - Chinese Baseball League to be launched in August

2nd June 2010 - ATP says tennis in China is ready for take-off

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