Sabine Lisicki to defend her Hong Kong Open tennis title
Organisers hint at more big names for the October tournament
Former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki will return to defend her title at the Hong Kong Open in October, with organisers hoping to announce more big names for the city's showpiece annual event at Victoria Park.
The German world number 22 will be joined by France's 36th-ranked Caroline Garcia for the October 10-18 WTA international series event, which offers prize money of US$250,000.
Sabine will be among a very competitive field and we can expect some high-quality tennis at Victoria Park
"Sabine will be among a very competitive field and we can expect some high-quality tennis at Victoria Park," said Chris Lai, the tournament director and chief executive at the Hong Kong Tennis Association. "She has expressed her excitement about returning to Asia's world city to defend her title and enjoy all the sights and sounds Hong Kong has to offer.
"Last year she wowed local fans with her huge serve and power game. She was a very popular champion and her charisma was felt on and off the court."
Lisicki rose to fame in 2011 as she stunned third seed and then reigning French Open champion Li Na in the second round of Wimbledon, eventually reaching the semi-finals, where she was defeated by Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3. Two years later, she upset Serena Williams in the fourth round on her way to the final, where she lost to Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli 6-1, 6-4. She reached the third round of Wimbledon earlier this month, going down to Swiss Timea Bacsinszky.
