A sensational run to the semifinals of the US Open 2024 resulted in Emma Navarro jumping up multiple spots in the WTA rankings. The World No.8 has been one of the busiest players on the tour, participating in as many events as she can. Next up is a 125-level Prudential Hong Kong Open 2024 for Navarro, where she could face the returning Simona Halep, among others.
The Hong Kong Open is usually a 250-level event in the WTA calendar. However, this year’s edition is also set to have an inaugural 125-level event, which will run from 30th September to 6th October.
After a disappointing opening round loss in the Beijing Open, the American has decided to stay back in China to prepare for the upcoming tournament. Breaking the news to her fans on Instagram Stories, Navarro said:
“Hey guys, it’s Emma Navarro here! I just want to announce that I’ll be playing at the 125 here in Hong Kong this week. Really excited to be here. Hopefully, gonna see the city a little bit and play some good tennis. So, looking forward to seeing you guys.”
Emma Navarro just announced she’s playing in Hong Kong this week! it’s hard to track down the entry list but I think it also includes Halep, Linette, Bouzkova, Volynets and more pic.twitter.com/yFUuqbjJHE
— Owen (@kostekcanu) September 29, 2024
The top 10 players usually do not participate in events below the 500 level. Additionally, top players from both tours — WTA and ATP — are constantly complaining about the hectic tennis schedule. Hence, the American No.3’s decision to take part in the 125-level tournament instead of resting does come as a huge surprise.
Either way, Navarro should be in for some fierce competition, even if it is only a 125-level tournament, with players like Simona Halep, Marie Bouzkova, and Katie Volynets confirming their presence at the tournament.
Halep will make her highly anticipated return to the tour in Hong Kong
While Emma Navarro is the highest-ranked individual to commit to play in the Hong Kong Open 2024, every tennis enthusiast is equally keen on watching Simona Halep make her highly anticipated return to the WTA Tour.
Halep has been one of the biggest stars to be out of the tour for a significant period. The former World No.1 served a nine-month doping ban earlier this season. Unfortunately, a knee injury she sustained in the Miami Open 2024 forced her to postpone her comeback.
The two-time Grand Slam winner seems excited to set foot on the court in Hong Kong ahead of her long-awaited return.
“I’m excited to be making my return to action in Hong Kong. It has been a while since I stepped on the match court, but I’m feeling great so I’m really looking forward to getting back out there,” Halep said.
The 125-level tournament has already managed to create quite some buzz in the tennis community. If the same level of excitement persists in the future, the Hong Kong Tennis 125 might become a permanent addition to the WTA calendar.
