Record numbers attend WTA Ningbo Open 2025

Elena Rybakina and the duo of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Liudmila Samsonova triumphed at the Ningbo Open 2025, a record-making tournament that combined top-level tennis with the dynamic culture of the host city.

The event wrapped up on Oct 19 at the renovated Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. Melichar-Martinez and Samsonova claimed the women's doubles title, defeating Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani 5-7, 6-4, 10-8. Later, Rybakina won the singles title, staging a comeback to beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2.

Improvements to this year's venue included a retractable roof, nearly 4,000 seats, and an advanced electronic line-calling system. The tournament drew more than 29,000 spectators, setting a record.

Fans also enjoyed a tournament carnival with branded dining, outdoor camping, cultural markets, and interactive sponsor zones. On-site shops sold merchandise, collectible pins, dolls, luggage tags, and apparel.

Off the court, players explored Ningbo's history and culture. Rybakina tried her hand at tie-dye crafts while wearing traditional attire in Zoumatang village in the city's Yinzhou district. Wang Xiyu and McCartney Kessler explored the historic Qing'an Guild Hall, Diana Shnaider toured the city exhibition, and Karolina Muchova and Priscilla Hon climbed the Drum Tower.

Several players, including Camila Osorio, participated in on-court activities with fans and students.