Zhengzhou Open Replaces Connecticut Open In WTA Roster

The decision to scrap the Connecticut Open in New Haven—a feature on the global women’s tennis circuit since 1998— was taken after the tournament’s commercial model became unviable without a title sponsor. The event was the third-best attended WTA competition in 2018 and reportedly generated over US$10m annually in economic impact for the American city.

“It has been an amazing 21-year run for women’s professional tennis in New Haven and we are truly grateful to all the fans, volunteers, players, media and sponsors involved,” said tournament director Anne Worcester. “We have many memories to cherish both on and off the court, and while we remember our great champions, we are most proud of the benefits the tournament has brought to the local community.”

The Zhengzhou Open, will be one of 20 WTA events in the Asia-Pacific region this year, is scheduled to take place in the week following the US Open Grand Slam and will offer US$1m in prize money this September and US$1.5m in 2020.

The move will also see the construction of a new tennis facility in Zhengzhou, which will include an 8,000-seater stadium and is expected to be ready in time for 2020.

“The Zhengzhou Open marks a huge milestone for the growth of tennis in the Asian region and particularly in China,” said APG president Charles Hsiung. “APG’s great history and experience with tennis will allow us to showcase yet another premier event in the region.”

Meanwhile, in sponsorship news, the WTA has renewed its global partnership with German car giant Porsche, which will remain the official and exclusive automotive partner of the WTA and the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.