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Lars Hamer

The Prudential Hong Kong Open has added four new players to the roster, including former winner Leylah Fernandez, after several high-profile names dropped out of the event, organisers confirmed on Saturday.
The 2023 champion Fernandez will be joined by Tokyo Olympic singles champion Belinda Bencic, 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin and Greek star Maria Sakkari.
Earlier this week, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka both pulled out of the competition at Victoria Park for the second year running.
“I am very much looking forward to coming to Hong Kong to play my last tournament of the 2025 season,” Switzerland’s Bencic said. “I have heard amazing things about the city and the event, and cannot wait to experience it for the first time.”
In January, world No 14 Bencic won the Abu Dhabi Open for the second time, her ninth WTA singles title. The 28-year-old was knocked out of the Ningbo Open quarterfinals by Italian world No 4 Jasmine Paolini on Friday.

Canadian Fernandez, who became a fan favourite after her 2023 triumph, this year won the Washington Open, defeating Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina and Anna Kalinskaya. It was her first championship since winning the Hong Kong Open.
On Saturday, she reached the final of the Japan Open by beating Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. She will face 18-year-old Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova in the final on Sunday.
American Kenin, ranked world No 26, also reached the French Open final the year she took the Aussie grand slam and was voted the WTA Player of the Year. She has won five WTA singles titles in her career.
World No 55 Maria Sakkari reached a career-high world ranking of No 3 in 2021, becoming the first Greek woman to break into the top 10. She won the Guadalajara title in 2023 and has secured two WTA career singles titles.
Also confirmed to feature in the tournament are 2024 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125 champion Ajla Tomljanovic, Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala, Canada’s Victoria Mboko, Anna Kalinskaya, runner-up of the 2024 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open Katie Boulter, and Chinese star Zhang Shuai.
Four-time grand slam champion and former world No 1 Osaka said: “I really like Hong Kong and I always hope to compete at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open in front of all my fans.
“Unfortunately, I sustained an injury at the Japan Women’s Open in Osaka and am unable to continue competing in high-intensity competitions. So I have to end my season early and withdraw from this tournament.”


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Hong Kong Open: former winner Leylah Fernandez among 4 new faces after several pull out

Canada’s Leylah Fernandez hits a return in her win over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the semi-finals of the Japan Open in Osaka on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Swiss Olympic champion Belinda Bencic has won nine WTA singles titles. Photo: AFP

Prudential Hong Kong Open curse strikes again, with Emma Raducanu out, Naomi Osaka injured

Naomi Osaka needed heavy strapping on her left leg to get through her Japan Open match against Suzan Lamens. Photo: AFP

Emma Raducanu leaves the court after retiring from her match against Ann Li at the Wuhan Open. Photo: AFP

Beyond Siobhan Haughey: Hong Kong’s best bets, China’s top threats at National Games

Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey after winning the 200m freestyle final at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest last December. Photo: EPA-EFE

Siobhan Haughey (middle) in a Mare Nostrum Tour 100m freestyle final in May. Photo: Tom Rushton

Sprinter Ian Ho is Hong Kong’s other main medal hope. Photo: Mike Chan

China’s Yu Zidi, 12, came in fourth in the 400m IM at the world championships. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

China

Hong Kong

Tennis

The 2023 winner will be joined by Tokyo Games champion Belinda Bencic, Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari after Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka withdraw


The 2023 winner will be joined by Tokyo Games champion Belinda Bencic, Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari after Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka withdraw.


Hong Kong Open: former winner Leylah Fernandez among 4 new faces after several pull out

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 2023 winner will be joined by Tokyo Games champion Belinda Bencic, Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari after Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka withdraw

The 2023 winner will be joined by Tokyo Games champion Belinda Bencic, Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari after Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka withdraw