
- Sharapova set to return to WTA Finals for eighth time in her career, winning the title in 2004
Sharapova is set to make her eighth appearance at the WTA Finals, after winning the title in her debut appearance in 2004. The Russian fan-favorite also reached the final in 2007 and 2012 and the semifinals in 2005 and 2006. She has advanced out of the group stage in five out of her seven previous appearances.
Sharapova has earned her spot at the WTA Finals due to her success this year, which includes two WTA titles at the Brisbane International and Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome and a finals appearance at the Australian Open. She also reached three semifinals this year at Wimbledon, the Mutua Madrid Open and Abierto Mexicano TELCEL in Acapulco.
“I’m very excited to return to the WTA Finals for the eighth time in my career,” said Sharapova. “I have had great success at the WTA Finals in the past and I can’t wait to get back to Singapore and compete. The fans are incredible and I am looking forward to their support.”
Staged at the Singapore Sports Hub from October 23-November 1 in partnership with World Sport Group (WSG), Singapore Tourism Board and Sport Singapore, the 2015 WTA Finals features the top 8 singles players competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in women’s tennis, the Billie Jean King Trophy, while the top 8 doubles teams will compete for the Martina Navratilova WTA Finals Doubles Trophy. With a record $7 million in prize money on the line, the round-robin singles competition will be the highlight of a 10-day tennis festival that will also include the WTA Legends Classic, WTA Rising Stars Invitational and a WTA Future Stars event.
Here is the current Road to Singapore Singles Leaderboard (as of Monday, August 31):
Last year, new milestones were set at the WTA Finals with record highs for attendance, TV viewing and online audiences as fans from around the world traveled to Singapore and tuned in to the exciting 10-day sport entertainment extravaganza showcasing the world’s best female athletes. The event attracted 129,000 spectators, including 93,000 fans who attended matches at the Singapore Sports Hub, through the 10 days of on- and off-court sport and entertainment in the stadium, as well as the fan festival which offered free access to the public.
In 2015, fans and spectators of the WTA Finals can expect the WTA to amplify engagement efforts by building a deeper connection with the fan base, delivering richer, more compelling digital content and creating money-can’t-buy experiences – all in an effort to become the most fan-friendly sport entertainment experience on earth.
Tickets for the general public start at S$16.90 and can be purchased through Sports Hub Tix www.sportshub.com.sg/WTAFinals, the official ticketing partner of the 2015 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global. Log on to the WTA Finals website www.WTAFinals.com for more information and follow on Twitter (@WTAFinalsSG) and Facebook (facebook.com/WTAFinalsSG).