Hong Kong woos legend Venus Williams for fledgling tennis open
Five-time Wimbledon winner joins defending champion Sabine Lisicki and Caroline Garcia for the US$250,000 event from October 12-18
American star Venus Williams will again light up Victoria Park in October when she joins a strong line-up for the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open.
The 35-year-old seven-time grand slam winner, who has been a regular visitor to Hong Kong, will compete in the US$250,000 tournament alongside defending champion Sabine Lisicki and rising French star Caroline Garcia in the October 12-18 event.
“Venus is a tennis icon and one of the biggest names in the sport,” said Chris Lai, tournament director and Hong Kong Tennis Association chief executive.
Venus really enjoys Hong Kong and is excited to return to Victoria Park stadium, where she has had considerable success in the past
“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. “We are hugely excited to have Venus back. She is extremely popular here.”
Williams last played in Hong Kong in 2011 – the year she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome – an auto-immune disease where white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands.