After some rave reviews from fans, players and WTA officials, the Hong Kong Tennis Association’s president was hoping to take the next step.

“We are definitely exploring any opportunities to upgrade, because look how well we have done,” Mok told the Post.

“A lot of things we are offering are probably at the level of a 500 already, so we will continue to explore these opportunities as the WTA continues to restructure its tour.”

The WTA’s 250 events, a category of tournaments implemented since a reorganisation of its schedule in 2021, offer as many rankings points for the winner, as well as a prize fund of around US$250,000.

There are two higher tiers – WTA 500 and 1,000 – offering more money and ranking points, which would only help attract bigger names, and in turn draw more fans through the turnstiles in Causeway Bay.

“The WTA are very happy,” Mok said. “We always run a very good show, and they send a supervisor every year. The feedback I’ve got so far is the tournament is run very well, especially for a 250 event.

“There are a lot of perks that are not usually seen. The players are really happy with the quality of the food, the hotel, the transportation and the hospitality we show them.

“Other than just playing, we take them out to see the famous sights of Hong Kong, like The Peak, Disneyland. In turn they appreciate it and post it on their social media, which has a lot of followers. It’s on the WTA’s social media as well, so that really highlights what Hong Kong has to offer as a city.”

Multiple players the Post spoke to throughout the week spoke positively about the tournament, and said it had been one of their favourites all year on the tour.

Mok admitted the positive reception “gives us pride”, after protests then pandemic scuppered the HKTA’s efforts to build on being named 2018 tournament of the year in the International Series – the former name for 250 events.

“We are now resuming, and I don’t think we have fallen behind,” he said. “We are able to maintain that standard, and we will keep trying to be better each year.”

Mok also insisted the government was “extremely happy” with the tournament, which was an “M” Mark event and had been held in conjunction with the tourism board.

Kevin Yeung, the secretary for culture, sports and tourism, was on hand to present the winner’s cheque of nearly US$35,000 to Fernandez.

“They know what we’re capable of,” Mok said. “They see our set-up, they see the fans’ reaction. The WTA supervisor gave us a glowing report. The sponsors are happy.

“They also see the value this gives not just to Hong Kong sports, but to Hong Kong as a city, so they are very supportive. They love the idea we are bringing in more events.

“Last Christmas we had the men’s exhibition, now the WTA, in 2½ months the ATP. In between, we are going to have the Chinese tour’s Hong Kong stop. There’s a lot of things going on, which I think will really make Hong Kong sport shine.”

Spectator numbers rose considerably on the weekend, and the way things played out on court can only have helped.

First, wild-card pairing Tsai Chia-yi and Tang Qianhui – of Taiwan and mainland China respectively – saved three championship points to win the doubles title.

Then 21-year-old Canadian Fernandez, a favourite all week with spectators given her part-Filipino heritage, won her first title in 19 months, signalling she was ready to resume her rise towards the top of women’s tennis.

“In the doubles final we had something for the crowd to root for; in the singles final was a favourite whose momentum just kept building,” Mok said.

“We make the Monday free for all, but unfortunately there was a typhoon so that didn’t materialise. For Tuesday, it was free for students. Wednesday we had [Cantopop singer] Eason Chan, who did a showcase with wheelchair tennis.

“We are trying all these different methods to bring more crowds.”