Ningbo Open Preview

This year marks the event’s eighth edition, having experienced significant growth over the years. Previously classified as WTA 250, the event was upgraded to WTA 500 last year. In 2024, Daria Kasaktina emerged as the champion, defeating Mirra Andreeva in the final. However, Kasaktina will be unable to defend her title due to injury. This year’s event promises to be more prominent, with five top-10 ladies competing for the prestigious trophy. Let’s delve into the preview.

Mirra Andreeva

The withdrawal of Amanda Anisimova, China Open Champion, due to injury has created an opportunity for Mirra Andreeva to enter the tournament as the dominant favorite to win the trophy. Despite her recent difficulties in achieving consistent results, Andreeva remains the top contender. The 18-year-old Russian has encountered several challenges, including a stunning loss to Laura Seigemend in the second round of the Wuhan Open. This upset was particularly remarkable, as Andreeva had claimed the first set before Seigemend orchestrated a strong comeback.

Moreover, Andreeva suffered losses to Sonay Kartal at the Beijing Open and Taylor Townsend at the US Open. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize Andreeva’s notable achievements this year, including her title victories at the Dubai Championship and Indian Wells. This tournament may serve as the turning point for Andreeva to regain her momentum and secure her position in the WTA Finals later this year. Having narrowly missed out on victory last year, Andreeva will be determined to succeed this time around.

Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula’s tendency to strengthen her performance in the second half of the year has become a familiar pattern, and this year is no exception. Her recent appearances in tournaments have featured impressive tennis. The 31-year-old American has shown resilience on the Asian circuit, advancing to the semi-finals at the Beijing Open, where she lost to Linda Niskova in a captivating three-set match.

Pegula has now reached the quarter-finals in the Wuhan Open. Her notable achievements have etched her name in history as the oldest player to reach the quarter-finals of both the Beijing and Wuhan Open in the same year.

With her current form, the world’s sixth-ranked player is poised to secure a title before the year concludes.

Jasmine Paolini

Last year, Jasmine Paolini was viewed as a late bloomer in the tennis world. At 28 years old, Paolini had a standout season, reaching the finals of two Grand Slam tournaments, the French Open and Wimbledon. Given her age, it was a highlight of her career. With high expectations to replicate that success, Paolini has thus far been unable to match last year’s results. Although she has consistently performed well on tour, Paolini has failed to win trophies, except for the Italian Open on home soil this year. Now, as most players compete for a spot in the WTA finals, Paolini will aim to win more matches to secure an automatic entry.

Elena Rybakina

It is extremely challenging to discern what Elena Rybakina is thinking at present. Despite being perceived as a formidable contender to dominate Grand Slam tournaments over the past three years, she has yet to achieve this feat. A series of injuries and inconsistent performances have hindered her career. Currently ranked ninth globally, Rybakina is a force to be reckoned with whenever she competes in a tournament. As a 26-year-old native of Kazakhstan, she is renowned for her exceptional speed and explosiveness on the court. With fewer participants in upcoming events, this could prove advantageous for her to regain her form. It remains to be seen whether she can deliver high-quality tennis and assert her dominance.

Prize Money

The event carries a pool of $1 064 510 in prize money. The winner will walk away $164 000 in total of the prize money.

Past winners

2024 – Daria Kasaktina

2023 – Ons Jabeur

NB// In the past the event was treated under WTA Challenger category before upgrading in 2023.