What Is 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open – Singles

Overview

The 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open – Singles was a professional women's tennis tournament held as part of the WTA 125K series. It marked a significant milestone in Asian tennis development, bringing international players to Hong Kong for competitive play on outdoor hard courts.

Hosted at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre, the event ran from October 8 to October 14, 2018, and featured a 32-player singles draw. As a WTA 125K-level tournament, it offered ranking points and prize money to attract strong competition despite not being part of the main WTA Tour.

• Champion Zheng Saisai won her first WTA singles title by defeating Sam Stosur in straight sets, 6–3, 6–2, in the final on October 14.
• The tournament was part of the WTA 125K series, offering $125,000 in total prize money and 160 ranking points to the winner.
• Matches were played on outdoor hard courts, similar to those used in the US Open, providing players with familiar playing conditions.
• Victoria Park Tennis Centre in Hong Kong served as the venue, featuring four permanent courts with a central show court for main matches.
• Despite its lower tier status, the event attracted notable players like Sam Stosur, a former US Open champion and top-100 ranked player at the time.

How It Works

The WTA 125K series functions as a developmental circuit for the Women's Tennis Association, bridging the gap between ITF tournaments and full WTA Tour events.

• WTA 125K Series: These are professional tournaments offering $125,000 in prize money and up to 160 WTA ranking points. They help players improve standings and gain match experience.
• Player Eligibility: Entry is open to top ITF players and WTA-ranked professionals not qualified for higher-tier events. Wildcards are often given to local talents.
• Draw Size: The singles draw typically includes 32 players, with 16 receiving direct entry based on rankings and others through qualifiers or wildcards.
• Tournament Format: It follows a single-elimination format with best-of-three sets. Tiebreaks are used in all sets reaching 6–6.
• Surface Type: The 2018 Hong Kong event used DecoTurf hard courts, known for medium-paced play and moderate bounce, favoring aggressive baseliners.
• Ranking Points: The winner earned 160 points, while semifinalists received 95 points, helping players climb the WTA rankings ladder.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open with other WTA-tier events to illustrate its position in the professional tennis hierarchy.

This table shows that the Hong Kong event, while smaller in scale, plays a crucial role in player development. It provides emerging and returning players with competitive opportunities and ranking points not available at lower ITF levels.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open – Singles was more than just a minor tournament—it symbolized growing tennis interest in Asia and offered a platform for regional talent.

• Historic win for Zheng Saisai: Her victory marked the first WTA title for a Chinese player in Hong Kong, boosting national pride and visibility.
• Development of Asian tennis: The event supports the WTA’s expansion into Asia, increasing regional participation and fan engagement.
• Pathway for comeback players: Veterans like Sam Stosur used the tournament to regain form and ranking after injuries or breaks.
• Exposure for local players: Wildcards allowed Hong Kong-based athletes to compete against international professionals, gaining invaluable experience.
• Economic and cultural impact: The tournament attracted tourists and media, promoting Hong Kong as a sports destination.
• Foundation for future events: Success in 2018 helped pave the way for larger tournaments and increased investment in local tennis infrastructure.

Ultimately, the 2018 Hong Kong Tennis Open served as a stepping stone for players and a milestone for tennis growth in East Asia, demonstrating the global reach of the WTA ecosystem.