8 reasons why you should catch the WTA Finals

Time for tennis fans to get pumped up as the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global comes to town again. The annual tennis extravaganza – held this year from 22 to 29 October – will see the world’s eight greatest singles players and doubles teams in women’s tennis compete for US$7 million in prize money and the prestigious Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova Doubles Trophy.

Besides catching the on-court action, you can look forward to a host of exciting entertainment and lifestyle happenings, from exploring the vibrant Fan Village to rubbing shoulders with world-class players. Here’s our list of eight reasons why the WTA Finals is not to be missed!

#1 Watch top players in action

The WTA Finals is the only tournament on the WTA calendar that guarantees fans the chance to see the world’s eight greatest singles players and doubles teams. And you can expect the unexpected, too. Last year, seventh seed Dominika Cibulkova made a dramatic comeback and won the overall title, while late qualifier Svetlana Kuznetsova shocked the crowd as she chopped off her locks mid-match!

Current World No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza has secured her place at the 2017 WTA Finals, making it her fourth consecutive appearance in Singapore. Joining her in the Singles field are Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams. Like Muguruza, it is Halep’s fourth consecutive appearance at the Finals. Ukraine’s Svitolina and America’s Williams are also set to make their Singapore debut. In the Doubles field, expect defending champions Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua as well as Chan Yung-Jan and Martina Hingis.

#2 Meet the world’s best players

Apart from watching the tennis players from afar, get up-close and personal during meet-and-greet sessions at the Racquet Club, Fan Village, Practice Courts and Official Doubles Draw Ceremony (6pm, 24 October at CHIJMES, subject to change). Head to WTAFinals.com for the latest updates.

#3 Take part in fun activities for the whole family

Head for a family day-out at the Fan Village at OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub from 21 to 29 October. There’s a range of fun tennis-themed activities to take part in and amazing prizes to take home! Get an autograph and snag a selfie or two with a player during the meet-and-greet sessions.

#4 Witness the talents of the next generation

The top U14 and U16 junior players in the region will get the chance to show off their talent in the WTA Future Stars Tournament. This tournament offers young players the chance to test their skills, meet and interact with some of the biggest names in the tennis scene, as well as have a taste of life on tour. Catch these up-and-coming players during the WTA Future Stars U14 and U16 Finals on 22 October (before the WTA Finals opening ceremony). Admission is free.

#5 Indulge in VIP treatment at the Racquet Club

Enjoy the match in style at the luxurious, award-winning Racquet Club. Perfect for hosting and networking, the official hospitality programme of the WTA Finals offers a selection of exclusive benefits such as premium baseline seats and generous buffet spreads. You’ll also get VIP access to the Aces Lounge where you can relax with drinks and snacks.

#6 Sing and dance with the Backstreet Boys

Kids of 90s pop music, rejoice: the Backstreet Boys are back in town! In conjunction with the WTA Finals, they’ll be performing for one-night only on 21 October at the National Stadium. Smash hits such as “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and “Shape of My Heart” are sure to feature in the show, and we know you’re just waiting to belt out those lyrics!

#7 Enjoy great pre- and post-match entertainment

The excitement of the WTA Finals extends beyond the Singapore Sports Hub. Besides the Fan Village at OCBC Square, there’s also Courtside@CHIJMES where you can look forward to a variety of exciting activities from 20 to 29 October. From tennis-themed booths and art installations to fitness workshops, there’s non-stop fun beyond the courts!

#8 Learn the tricks of the trade

Looking to improve your serve or volley? Learn more about the technicalities of the game at the Tennis Coaches Conference on 23 October at the Conrad Centennial Hotel where you’ll have a special opportunity to hear from tennis legends, players, coaches, peak performance specialists and sport scientists. Speakers include WTA Finals Legend Ambassador Lindsay Davenport (Eight-time World No. 1 and current coach of Madison Keys), Dr Ann Quinn (Peak Performance Specialist), Kathleen Stroia (Senior Vice President of Sport Sciences and Medicine and Transitions, WTA) and Kathy Martin (Senior Director of Athlete Assistance, WTA).

Extra tip! Drop by the Player Practice Sessions at the OCBC Arena on 21, 22 and 28 October to watch your favourite players warm-up before the matches.

Tickets (from $27) and special packages are available at WTAFinals.com. For enquiries or corporate hospitality bookings, please contact sg.hospitality@lagardere-se.com. Follow the WTA Finals on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and news.

Brought to you by:
BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global

Read on for more things to do and events in Singapore.