DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The WTA Tour is counting on the Asia-Pacific region to boost its international growth, along with China’s ability to produce more elite players.
Bolstered by a five-year sponsorship deal with Peak, a Chinese sporting goods firm, WTA chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster on Sunday called the country “an important strategic growth project for us.”
Allaster praised organizers of the recent China Open, saying the tournament facilities in Beijing were outstanding. But she admitted there was “plenty of education” to do to get more Chinese people excited about tennis.
Allaster spoke at the season-ending WTA Championships in Doha, Qatar. After a three-year deal in Doha, the championships will move next year to Istanbul, Turkey.
