Venus Williams to Play in Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Seven-time Grand Slam singles winner Venus Williams will be a star attraction at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park in October.

The American, who is a popular figure in Hong Kong having featured many times in tournaments there in the past, has confirmed her appearance at the US$250,000 event which will take place 10-18 October 2015.

“We are hugely excited to have Venus back in Hong Kong. She is extremely popular here and will be warmly welcomed by the local fans who will be keen to see her in action again,” said Chris Lai, Tournament Director and Hong Kong Tennis Association Chief Executive.

The last time Venus Williams played in Hong Kong was in 2011. The former world number one will be going all out to stamp her presence on the tournament, which will also feature Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, the defending champion and WTA rising star Caroline Garcia.

“Venus is a tennis icon and one of the biggest names in the sport. Her grace and professionalism both on and off the court has inspired a generation of players and her explosive game thrills tennis fans worldwide. Venus really enjoys Hong Kong and is excited to return to Victoria Park Stadium, where she has had considerable success in the past,” Lai added.

Williams, 35, is currently ranked 15th in the world. Apart from her seven singles Grand Slam titles, including five at Wimbledon, she has also won 13 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles with sister Serena and two in mixed doubles to total a staggering 22 titles in major events. Among active players, Venus’ Grand Slam haul is second only to her sister’s, as is her 46 WTA singles titles.

Williams has also won four Olympic Gold medals – one in singles and three in doubles – and is bound to be one of the hottest draw cards at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, which returns for its second edition after WTA tennis returned to the city last year for the first time since 1993.

Oscar Chow, Chairman of Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open Steering Committee, said, “with the announcement of Defending Champion Sabine Lisicki, rising star Caroline Garcia, and now WTA legend Venus, we are going to see a very competitive field and some exciting matches at Victoria Park this October. And the good news is that we have more star names to announce very soon.”

Ticket prices range from HK$160 to HK$880 and went on sale last month. Fans can enjoy an Early Bird discount of 20% for tickets purchased before 31 August 2015.