Why Asia’s Influence on Tennis Will Continue to Grow

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 14, 2014

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Li Na, the first Asian, male or female, to win a Grand Slam, was the catalyst that sparked an increased interest in tennis among Asians. Now the growth of tennis in Asia has taken on a life of its own.

Fueled by Li's success and a booming Chinese economy, Asia's influence on professional tennis looms large and grows bigger every day. 

When Li won the 2014 Australian Open, her second Grand Slam, it was called her home slam. Aware of Asia's encroachment on their territory, Australian Open officials rebranded their tournament as the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific. Last year was the first time they held a Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff. Held in China, the playoff was open to all players from the Asian-Pacific region, except Australians.   



Was the move merely to capitalize on the growing interest in tennis in China? Or are Australian officials a little worried about the China Open competing as possible fifth Slam? 

The tennis facilities in Beijing, the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, are already considered Grand Slam caliber.

Right now, China is where the money is. The WTA and ATP are just following the money. 

The WTA will hold 16 events in the Asia-Pacific region this year, including five in China. Beginning this year, the WTA championships will be held in Singapore for the next five years. It's the first time the event will be held in an Asian city. 

WTA chief executive Stacey Allaster has made Asia a focus for expansion. She told Reuters that "Together with the continued success and growth of the China Open and the launch of the year-end WTA Championships in Singapore in 2014, the WTA's Asia growth strategy is in full force."

Allaster credits Li with the surge in interest in China. She stated in the Wall Street Journal that “Li is the most influential player this decade for the growth of women’s tenni...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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