Halep headlines host of big names confirmed for upgraded WTA event

As the newest Premier 700 event on the WTA calendar, the Zhengzhou Open is set to serve up a feast of tennis featuring some of the biggest names in the game.

Organizers this week confirmed a world-class field for the event, which will take place from Sept 9-15 at the Central Plains Tennis Center in Henan's capital Zhengzhou.

The tournament will feature five of the world's current top 10 female players: two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep (No 4), 2018 WTA Finals champion Elina Svitolina (No 7), Karolina Pliskova (No 3), Kiki Bertens (No 5) and Aryna Sabalenka (No 10).

"We've been working around the clock with our team to make sure we deliver a great event, and now seeing the final entry list comprised of some of today's greatest players is a very rewarding feeling," said tournament director Morgan Menahem.

"We are only one third of the way but are excited that soon Henan province will take center stage on the tennis planet. We wish to extend a special welcome to tennis fans from around China and beyond. Please join us in celebrating tennis in Zhengzhou this coming September."

The event offers a total prize pool of $1 million. That will be upped to $1.5 million next year when a new 8,000-seat stadium is opened. The winner of the 32-spot singles draw will be awarded 470 ranking points.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at the new Zhengzhou Open," said recently crowned Wimbledon champion Halep. "It's always exciting for us to add a new city to our calendar and I have heard that Henan province has a lot to offer. I can't wait to visit the city and introduce world-class women's tennis to the fans there."

World No 7 Svitolina is also relishing returning to Asia after enjoying success at last year's WTA Finals in Singapore.

"Asia has stayed in my heart after winning the WTA Finals and it's a double pleasure for me to come back and play at Zhengzhou," said the Ukrainian.

"I'm always amazed by the powerful support of Asian fans. I hope to show you my best game this year."

The Zhengzhou Open's upgrade to one of the 12 Premier events on the tour is symptomatic of the booming Chinese tennis market. The tournament will launch the tour's Asian swing a week after the US Open and is one of nine WTA events now staged in China.

"Congratulations to the Zhengzhou Open for attracting such a starry field," said Fabrice Chouquet, the WTA's Asia-Pacific managing director.

"China is a key market for the WTA and we are glad and honored to help bring this brand new WTA Premier event to the wonderful city of Zhengzhou.

"We have no doubt that this will be an excellent tournament and an amazing opportunity to showcase the city of Zhengzhou and the extraordinary culture of Henan."

World No 16 Wang Qiang will lead China's hopes at the tournament.

"Starting the Asian swing with the newly created WTA Premier 700 Zhengzhou Open offers a great opportunity to feature more tennis in China," said Wang, who reached a career-high No 14 in the rankings this season. "I am excited that the Asian swing will be starting in Henan province and can't wait to play there."

Wang's appearance in front of her home fans will be particularly poignant after she lost her coach Peter McNamara to cancer last month. The Australian's guidance was a key factor in Wang's superb season last year when she won two WTA titles in Guangzhou and Nanchang.

Home fans will also be able to cheer on defending champion Zheng Saisai, a doubles finalist at this year's French Open.

"Zhengzhou has always been one of the major cities in China throughout our history," said Zheng, ranked 55th in singles.

"To have a Premier WTA event in Zhengzhou for the first time and to be able to be part of this historical event, I am both very honored and excited. I'm looking forward to playing this September and visiting this beautiful historical city."