The WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China will make its debut next year and will replace the WTA Tournament of Champions which recently concluded its six-year run in Sofia, Bulgaria. Germany’s Andrea Petkovic went on to win the title after defeating Flavia Pennetta of Italy in a thrilling three set match 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.
“I love watching Flavia play, but I hate playing her because she’s so difficult to play!” Petkovic said.
“I’m happy I could gather enough energy and play well enough to win it in the end.”
“I’m happy I met Flavia in the final because we’ve both been coming back from injury this year,” Petkovic said. “I was so happy when she won Indian Wells because I know what she went through, and so it’s even nicer to play her for this title today. I hope the next season is even better for her.”
The Tournament of Champions held its first three editions in Bali, Indonesia with Aravane Rezai winning the 2009 edition and Ana Ivanovic in 2010 and 2011. The tournament then proceeded in Sofia from 2012 to 2014 with Nadia Petrova winning the 2012 and Simona Halep the 2013 editions respectively.
The WTA Elite Trophy will feature players ranked 9th to 20th (or those who have not qualified for the WTA Finals – which is staged in Singapore starting this year until 2018).
