The
Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters has confirmed the final legends set to join
the third edition of the women’s tournament, including
Martina Hingis and Ana
Ivanovic. The event will be held from 17th to 20th October, featuring a draw of
eight former players at the Grand Duchy’s Coque Arena, with a €50,000 prize for
the winner.
Until the
2021 season, the tournament was part of the WTA calendar as a 250-category
event, but that year marked the end of its history as an official tour event.
However, the organisers successfully reinvented the tournament, introducing a
smaller draw featuring prominent former players in an exhibition format.
Iconic line-up of former champions
In the
inaugural 2022 edition,
Kim Clijsters triumphed over Martina Hingis in the
final, following support from the royal family and the government to keep the
tennis event alive. In 2023, the title was claimed by
Anett Kontaveit, who had
recently retired. She defeated Germany’s
Andrea Petkovic in the final, who will
return to the draw this year.
The 2024
edition will see former World No. 1s
Ana Ivanovic and Martina Hingis as its top
stars. Other players include former French Open champion Flavia Pennetta and
former Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova. Completing the draw are
Kirsten Flipkens, Magdalena Rybarikova, and
Laura Robson.
Earlier
this year, former World No. 5
Daniela Hantuchova, who competed in the first two
editions, was appointed as the tournament’s special ambassador. “What a dream
line-up we have this year,” said Hantuchova. “It’s really a testament to the
athleticism of our former WTA Tour players, that they’re able to stay in shape
and compete at such an amazing level.”
“The field
is so strong, with such a variety of talent from across Europe. Putting my
commentary hat on, I couldn’t pick a favourite. But I’ve checked on all the
girls, and they’re all fully into their training. I know how tough it can be,
getting back on court and in the gym, so huge respect to all of them,” she
added.
.