WUHAN, August 21, 2018 (Press Release)

With one month to go before this year’s Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, organisers confirmed on Tuesday that two-time Australian Open and former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka is set to join the already spectacular player field for the 2018 tournament.

Azarenka has accepted a wildcard into the $2,746,250 WTA Premier 5 tournament, which will be held in the Central Chinese city of Wuhan 21 – 29 September. The tournament is marking its fifth birthday this year by hosting a glittering player field which includes all ten of the top 10 and 19 of the world’s top 20 as well as a host of reigning and former Grand Slam singles and doubles champions.

Victoria Azarenka said:
“It’s great to be going back to Wuhan and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in front of the Wuhan fans again. I haven’t played there in a while and I’m excited to see how much it’s grown and improved. I know that it’s celebrating it’s fifth birthday this year so it’s going to be a special year for the tournament and I’m happy that I get to be part of that.”

Wuhan Open Tournament Co-Director Fabrice Chouquet said:
“Vika is a huge favourite with fans wherever she plays, as well as being a multiple Grand Slam champion and one of the most talented players of her generation. We’re delighted to welcome her back to Wuhan to join this year’s incredibly strong line-up. With one month to go before the first shot is hit, we couldn’t be more excited about this year’s event.”

Azarenka is currently ranked 80 in the world and took a break away from tennis while she had her son Leo. She has won 20 career WTA singles titles and $29,072,861 in career prizemoney. She reached the semi-finals of the Miami Open in March this year, her best WTA Tour result since returning to tennis.