The WTA has returned to China for the highly anticipated Ningbo Open. It was a dazzling affair, as players took the stage in traditional attire. The organizers had wanted to make a statement, and they delivered it in spades. The players were welcomed gloriously, and it was a night they will remember for a long time.
The hosts went all out for the dinner party they had organized for the players, and no expenses were spared. However, the biggest surprise came from the players themselves, who showed up in Hanfu clothing.
All the players looked very elegant, dressed in rich silk gowns. Ons Jabeur, Petra Kvitova, Daria Kasatkina, Sorana Cirstea, and others stole the show. Kvitova was the picture of elegance in a blue gown and Jabeur looked mesmerizing in a rich crimson dress.
Who wore it better? Outfits appreciation from the Ningbo and Pan Pacific Opens this week. Scroll for all the pics!
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Cirstea looked fabulous in a lilac dress. She shared photos of the event, and even posed alongside the ‘Minister of Happiness’ Jabeur.
Kasatkina‘s outfit seemed to stand out among the fans, who conducted a fun poll online. One user even commented, “Kasatkina looks so cute.” Here are a few reactions to the players in traditional Chinese outfits.
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The hosts really outdid themselves with how they went out of their way to make sure everyone was having a good time. It has been years since the WTA has graced the Ningbo Open, but what a welcome they received.
What kept the WTA away from Ningbo Open for so long?
Tennis finally returned to China this week after a few years. The ATP has not played a single tournament in China since 2019, and the WTA since 2020.
In 2020, all tournaments in China were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the WTA suspended all events in the country in 2021 following Peng Shuai’s unfortunate case. The Grand Slam doubles champion had leveled allegations of sexual assault against a high-ranked government official.
The WTA chief executive, Steve Simon, decided to end the boycott earlier this year. “To continue with the same strategy doesn’t make sense and a different approach is needed. Hopefully, by returning, more progress can be made,” he said (via Eurosport).
The calendar is packed with different tournaments in China this month and the next. There is much to look forward to, as the biggest players compete on one of the biggest stages in the world.