Preview WTA Ningbo Open 2024: Zheng Qinwen, Emma Navarro and Jasmine Paolini lead the charge, defending champion Jabeur absent
WTA
The Ningbo
Open is set to take place between October 14 and 20 with a star-studded draw
led by Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen, and Emma Navarro. This year, the
tournament has been upgraded from WTA 250 to 500, is played on outdoor hard
courts, and will feature 8 players ranked within the top 15.
Despite the
end of the WTA 1000 events in China Open and Wuhan Open, there are still
ranking points up for grabs during the final stretch of the season in the Asian
swing. With a draw of 28 players, exciting matches are expected right from the
first round.
Ningbo Open preview
Unfortunately,
defending champion Ons Jabeur will not be participating in the tournament, as
she has decided to end her season. Her last appearance was at the Canadian
Open, but injuries prevented her from playing in Cincinnati and the US Open,
leading to her withdrawal from the tour for the remainder of 2024.
However,
strong names won’t be lacking in the draw. The top four seeds of the tournament
received a first-round bye and are waiting to see who their opponents will be.
These are Jasmine Paolini (1), Zheng Qinwen (2), Emma Navarro (3), and Barbora
Krejcikova (4). But they are not the only big names in the field.
Zheng, in
fact, could face Czech player Karolina Muchova in her debut. Muchova entered
with a protected ranking and will play qualifier Olivia Gadecki in the first
round. Muchova already defeated Zheng a few weeks ago in the semifinals of the
China Open and is in great form after a long absence from the tour.
Karolina Muchova at China Open two weeks ago.
Russian
players Daria Kasatkina (5th seed) and Mirra Andreeva could meet in a
second-round showdown, provided both live up to their seeding in their opening
matches against qualifiers. Diana Shnaider (finalist in 2023) will face a tough
start, as she’s drawn against World No. 15 Paula Badosa (8th), who has shown
strong form in recent months.
Other
notable names in the tournament include Beatriz Haddad Maia (who reached the
top 10 again this week), Anna Kalinskaya, Yulia Putintseva, and Katie Boulter.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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