Top players tempted by Hong Kong WTA event, Caroline Wozniacki says
Denmark's world No 10 says she would jump at the chance to play in the city's new WTA event
Hong Kong's newly acquired WTA tournament in 2014 will be a huge draw among the world's best, says longtime visitor Caroline Wozniacki, who will be in town again next month for the BNP Paribas Showdown exhibition against Li Na.
World number 10 Wozniacki said she would be the first to put her hand up for a chance to play in Hong Kong - "a city everyone likes to come to" - and if her schedule permitted she would have no hesitation in accepting an invite.
"I love coming to Hong Kong. I have been there so many times and it is a great place to visit. If I was invited back for the WTA tournament, I would most definitely turn up," said Wozniacki, speaking from Dubai where she is taking part in this week's Dubai Open.
But unless she moves up the rankings in 12 months or so, it is unlikely local organisers will target Wozniacki for the inaugural Hong Kong WTA tier-three international tournament in September 2014 as they would be hoping to secure a top-five player.
Only one top-10 player is required to turn up under WTA rules for the US$235,000 tournament and unless the Hong Kong Tennis Association, the owner of the tournament, comes up with appearance fees, the chances of a top-class field will be limited.