CHENGDU, August 24, 2024 (Press Release)
The Chengdu Open, China’s most lucrative ATP 250 tournament with a prize pool of $1,269,245, is set to return to the Sichuan International Tennis Center from 17-24 September.
Having already announced four marquee players—world No.7 Hubert Hurkacz, world No.18 Lorenzo Musetti, China’s exciting 19-year-old Shang Juncheng, and the flamboyant and ever-popular Gael Monfils —this highly anticipated event has now released the initial entry list for this year’s tournament. The field features eleven players from the world’s top 50, with an impressive main draw entry cut-off at No.76.
Twelve different nations are currently represented with France leading with four players, followed by Italy with three, and the Australia and USA each with two players receiving direct entry.
On present standings, eight different nations will occupy the eight seedings in the singles draw, led by Hurkacz (POL) and followed by Musetti (ITA), Nicolas Jarry (CHI), Alexander Bublik (KAZ), Jordan Thompson (AUS), Nuno Borges (POR), Adrian Mannarino (FRA) and Pedro Martinez (ESP).
🎾 This is Play Time!
🎉 The #ChengduOpen is back and bigger than ever! From September 17-24, 2024, catch top tennis stars like Hubert Hurkacz, Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils, and China’s rising star Shang Juncheng in action. pic.twitter.com/hcQOBtND80— Chengdu Open (@ChengduOpen) August 12, 2024
“It is a tremendously strong field of international players,” Tournament Director Luiz Carvalho of IMG said. “The singles draw will feature 28 players, including 20 direct acceptances, along with wild cards and qualifiers. The top four seeds will receive first-round byes.”
“The Chengdu Open is the perfect tournament to kick off the important Asian swing of the ATP Tour. With so many exciting established and rising stars on the entry list, fans will be able to enjoy a rich schedule of world-class tennis all week at the Sichuan International Tennis Center.”
Adding to the excitement is the strong current form behind many of the participating players. Former world No.6 Hurkacz has enjoyed a solid year while Musetti, known for his classic one-handed backhand, is having the best season of his young career, highlighted by reaching the final at The Queen’s Club, the semi-finals at Wimbledon, and winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Jarry, a towering presence on the court, has previously performed well in China and this year reached the finals in Rome as well as Buenos Aires, where he notched an upset over Carlos Alcaraz. Bublik, a finalist in Chengdu 2019, is one of the most unpredictable players in the world, adding to the thrill of watching him play. Thompson, a steadier force, has enjoyed a milestone season, winning his first career title in Los Cabos after beating Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud in back-to-back matches, while also reaching the final in Atlanta.
Borges similarly picked up his maiden title this year, with his triumph in Bastad highlighted by a remarkable win over the greatest clay court player in history, Rafa Nadal. Meanwhile, Mannarino, who has five career titles under his name, reached the semis in Dallas and the last 16 at the Australian Open. Martinez also had reason to celebrate this year, as he qualified for a place at the Olympic Games after making the final in Estoril and semis in Hamburg.
For the first time, Chinese tennis fans will have the chance to see the exciting 21-year-old Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who won his first career title this year and has soared into the ATP top 50. Italian Lorenzo Sonego is also set to make his Chengdu Open debut, while his compatriot Fabio Fognini is returning for the first time since making the 2018 final.
