The Prudential Hong Kong Open has added four new players to the roster, including former winner Leylah Fernandez, after several high-profile names dropped out of the event, organisers confirmed on Saturday.
The 2023 champion Fernandez will be joined by Tokyo Olympic singles champion Belinda Bencic, 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin and Greek star Maria Sakkari.
Earlier this week, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka both pulled out of the competition at Victoria Park for the second year running.
“I am very much looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play my last tournament of the 2025 season,” Switzerland’s Bencic said. “I have heard amazing things about the city and the event, and cannot wait to experience it for the first time.”
In January, world No 14 Bencic won the Abu Dhabi Open for the second time, her ninth WTA singles title. The 28-year-old was knocked out of the Ningbo Open quarterfinals by Italian world No 4 Jasmine Paolini on Friday.
Swiss Olympic champion Belinda Bencic has won nine WTA singles titles. Photo: AFP
Canadian Fernandez, who became a fan favourite after her 2023 triumph, this year won the Washington Open, defeating Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina and Anna Kalinskaya. It was her first championship since winning the Hong Kong Open.
AloJapan.com