The WTA Elite Trophy, a new $2.5 million WTA Tour event, will make its debut in 2015 at the Southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. Zhuhai will host this premier event from 2015 to 2019. This will replace the WTA Tournament of Champions which will stage its final event this year in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The WTA Elite Trophy features a 12-player singles field with players ranked number 9 to 20 in the world, those who have not qualified for the WTA Finals in which Singapore will be hosting from 2014 to 2018. One wildcard will be given as well. A four-group round robin format is made as well with the winners from each group advancing to the single elimination semifinal. The doubles event will feature six doubles teams in a two-group round robin format with the winners from each group advancing automatically to the final.
The WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai will take place at a state of the art, custom designed tennis facility and will be scheduled to take place a week after the WTA Finals Singapore.
“This brand new event combining great players, a fantastic new stadium and the magnificent location of Zhuhai is a formula that will make the WTA Elite Trophy a success,” WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster said. “Thanks to the commitment and vision of the Zhuhai government, Huafa Group and Ace Pro Group – APG, the fan experience will be exciting and inspirational, and we will showcase women’s tennis and this beautiful city to a global audience through broadcast, digital and social media.”
“Zhuhai is honored to host the WTA Elite Trophy starting in 2015,” Zhuhai Vice Mayor Lydia Long said following the announcement of this news. “We are deeply grateful for WTA’s trust and support in making Zhuhai’s dream of joining the WTA family a reality. The people of Zhuhai will warmly welcome the best women tennis players and tourists from around the world to this beautiful, romantic and dynamic city. Come and experience the well-equipped facilities, excellent service and the elegance of Zhuhai.”
“We are looking forward to directing this event in the spectacular city of Zhuhai,” said Peter Johnston, currently the WTA’s Managing Director of Asia Pacific but will also act as Tournament Director for the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai. “It promises to be an amazing player field featuring established WTA superstars and WTA Rising Stars.”
The city of Zhuhai is located near Hong Kong and Macau in southern coast of China. In 2013, the city was named “China’s most livable city” by the Chinese Academy of Social Services.
