HONG KONG, November 26, 2024 (Press Release)
Two of the most successful Australian male tennis players in the Open Era, Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde, will return to Hong Kong as Tournament Ambassadors for Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (“BOCHKTO”) 2025, almost 30 years since they last competed on the hard courts of Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court.
Taking place from 29 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court, BOCHKTO 2025 will host some of the world’s best tennis players as they begin their 2025 ATP season after a well-deserved year-end break.
The legends, both 59, were successful campaigners at the Hong Kong Open in the 1990’s when the city hosted some of the world’s best every April. Cash is a former champion – winning the singles event in 1990, while Woodforde reached the semi-finals of the doubles tournament in 1997.
Cash, whose famous climb up to his players box to celebrate with his friends and family following his men’s singles’ victory in the 1987 Wimbledon final set a tradition for many to follow, said: “I am so excited to come back to one of my favourite cities in the world, Hong Kong, as an ambassador for the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025. With defending champion Rublev, rising star Shang Juncheng, and Hong Kong No.1 Coleman Wong Chak-lam all confirmed to return, the week-long tournament promises an exciting start to the ATP season.
“The iconic Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court holds special memories for me as I had a victory there back in 1990. I look forward to working with my friend and compatriot Mark to support the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association at this ATP 250 Hong Kong Tennis Open,” the former Wimbledon Champion said.
Adelaide native Woodforde is best known for his 67 men’s doubles titles on the professional tour that includes 12 Grand Slam titles, most with fellow countryman Todd Woodbridge. He held the No. 1 ranking in doubles for a total of 84 weeks, and retired in December 2000.
Having played both singles and doubles at the Hong Kong Open in the mid-1990’s, Woodforde also has fond memories of Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court: “I had such great battles on this court almost 30 years ago during the height of my career, and I am thrilled to be back now in the capacity of Tournament Ambassador to help grow the event, and let the tennis world know about why the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open is such a great tournament for players to start their season and Hong Kong is again becoming a global tennis hotspot.
“The tournament location is incredible, situated right in the heart of Hong Kong. The players’ hotel is only a short walk away from the stadium and the hospitality of the Hong Kong fans is legendary. These are the little things that players and their team really appreciate. It is going to be a cracker of a tournament,” added Woodforde.
The event has also welcomed the return of Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) as title sponsor of the ATP 250 tournament for a second consecutive year, offering total prize money exceeding US$730,000. BOCHKTO 2025 is one of the key opening events of the 2025 ATP calendar and an important stop in the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.
Hong Kong, China Tennis Association President Michael Cheng said: “On behalf of HKTCA, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde for their support of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025. We cannot ask for better Ambassadors for our event than these two legendary figures of our sport, both of whom had competed at Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court three decades ago. Tennis in Hong Kong has come a long way since the 1990s, and we are pleased to have these two Grand Slam Champions in town with us during the tournament to witness history being made and emerging talents making their mark in the world of tennis.”
The public can enjoy free access to the qualifying rounds of the ATP 250 BOCHKTO 2025 on 29 December 2024. Gold-level tickets range from HK$370 to HK$1,610, and silver-level tickets range from HK$270 to HK$1,260. The Tournament Village located just outside the centre court is free for all throughout the event.
For tournament and ticketing details, please visit the tournament website at www.hkmenstennisopen.com
