Ningbo Open 2024 Preview: When is it, who is playing and what is the prize money?
The WTA Tour is remaining in China for the upcoming few weeks, with the upgraded 2024 Ningbo Open next on the horizon.
And we, at Tennishead, have the ultimate guide for you to learn everything to know about the WTA 500 tournament:
When is the Ningbo Open 2024?
After the cancellation of the Zhengzhou Open, the Ningbo Open has been upgraded to a WTA 500 level event for the first time.
The main draw of the tournament will get underway on Monday 14th October, concluding with both the singles and doubles finals on Sunday 20th October.
While the qualifying draw will take place over the coming weekend (Saturday 12th October – Sunday 13th October), with play getting underway at 11am local time (4am BST).
Tennis fans, are you ready? 🎾#WTA500 Ningbo Open is ONLY TWO DAYS AWAY! 🎉
This year’s upgraded event promises a high-energy atmosphere like never before. Get set to watch the world’s top players clash on a dazzling stage! 🌟
We’ll be bringing you all the latest match… pic.twitter.com/iC05gsZmoP
— WowNingbo (@WowNingbo) October 11, 2024
Where is the Ningbo Open held?
Once again, the Ningbo Open is taking place on the outdoor hard courts at the Yinzhou Tennis Center.
The facilities are headlined by the aptly named Center Court, that can hold nearly 4,000 spectators!
Embark on a scenic adventure during the #NingboOpen! This video takes you through the city’s top attractions, from historic landmarks to bustling hotspots. Immerse yourself in Ningbo’s charm and create unforgettable memories while enjoying the excitement of tennis! #FuninNingbo pic.twitter.com/TcuEtpLeEN
— Insight Ningbo (@InsightNingbo) October 11, 2024
Who is playing at the Ningbo Open 2024?
The singles draw at the Ningbo Open consists of 28 players, with the top four seeds receiving automatic byes to the second round.
Qinwen Zheng is the top ranked player this year, after Jasmine Paolini withdrew due to a left foot injury.
The Chinese No.1 is one of four players receiving a bye to the second round alongside Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, Daria Kasatkina and Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Yes 🙌🏻
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) October 10, 2024
The remaining seeds in Ningbo next week are Anna Kalinskaya and Paula Badosa.
Karolina Muchova is another player to keep your eyes out for, as the Czech woman looks to continue her climb back up the rankings after reaching the final in Beijing.
Karolina Muchova touched down in #Ningbo on Oct 9! This talented Czech tennis player lit up the courts during the 2024 #ChinaOpen. Can’t wait to see more of her incredible matches at the upcoming #NingboOpen! #NingboFocus @karomuchova7 @WTA @Tennisinnumbers @TennisUpdates24… pic.twitter.com/Ehp7StNAGZ
— Insight Ningbo (@InsightNingbo) October 10, 2024
While there are no former singles champions returning to Ningbo, last year’s runner-up Diana Shnaider is looking to go one better in 2024.
Two wildcards have been awarded to Chinese players Xiyu Wang and Yafan Wang, as they look to impress on home soil.
How many ranking points are on offer at the Ningbo Open 2024?
As previously mentioned, ranking points are more pivotal than ever for those singles and doubles players still looking to qualify for the WTA Finals.
And here is a breakdown of those on offer in Ningbo this year:
| Event | W | F | SF | QF | R16 | R32 | Q | Q2 | Q1 |
| Singles | 500 | 325 | 195 | 108 | 60 | 1 | 25 | 13 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doubles | 1 | — | — | — | — |
What is the prize money for the Ningbo Open 2024?
Last year in Ningbo, the singles champion was awarded $34,228. However, as a result of the tournament upgrade, the singles winner will receive over four times that amount in 2024!
Here is a breakdown of the prize money on offer this year:
| Event | W | F | SF | QF | R16 | R32 | Q2 | Q1 |
| Singles | $142,000 | $87,655 | $51,205 | $24,910 | $13,590 | $9,820 | $6,603 | $3,380 |
| Doubles* | $47,390 | $28,720 | $16,430 | $8,510 | $5,140 | – | – | – |
*Per team
Previous winners of the Ningbo Open
The Ningbo Open has come from humble beginnings as a lower level ITF 100k tournament back in 2010, and is now at its peak having returned to the calendar last year as a WTA 250 event.
Ons Jabeur was the singles champion in 2023, after beating the aforementioned Diana Shnaider in straight sets, while Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva took home the doubles crown.
Here are all of the winners at the Ningbo Open since its inaugural edition 14 years ago:
| Year | Singles Champion | Doubles Champions |
| 2010 (ITF 100k) | Alberta Brianti | Chan Chin-wei & Chen Yi |
| 2011 | Anastasiya Yakimova | Tetiana Luzhanska & Zheng Saisai |
| 2012 | Hsieh Su-wei | Shuko Aoyama & Kelly Chang |
| 2013 (Upgraded to a WTA 125) | Bojana Jovanovski | Zhang Shuai & Latisha Chan |
| 2014 | Magda Linette | Arina Rodionova & Olga Savchuk |
| 2015-2022 | Tournament Not held | – |
| 2023 (Upgraded to a WTA 250) | Ons Jabeur | Laura Siegemund & Vera Zvonareva |
How can you watch the Ningbo Open 2024?
You can watch the Ningbo Open on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as across other parts of Europe, or on Tennis Channel in the United States of America.
For more information on how to watch the newly upgraded tournament in your location, visit the official WTA website here.
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