TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
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WUHAN OPEN
Tour
WTA
Date of event
In Progress
Location
Wuhan
Surface
Hard outdoor
Singles Title
C Gauff
Doubles Title
S Hunter/K Siniaková
Level
1000
TENN360 INSIGHT:
The Wuhan Open is one of those tournaments that manages to feel both big-time and surprisingly approachable.
As a WTA 1000, it attracts one of the strongest fields on the women's tour, but the atmosphere is very different from the giant Grand Slam experience. The tournament is played at the Wuhan Optics Valley International Tennis Center, a purpose-built tennis venue with a striking centre court and a collection of smaller courts around it.
And then there's Wuhan itself.
A huge, modern Chinese city with the Yangtze running through it, famous for its food, lakes and distinctly local character.
So you get elite women's tennis without quite as much of the circus that comes with the biggest tournaments.
That's a rather appealing combination.
For the biggest matches, I'd go for a side-on seat relatively close to the court in the centre court.
The closer you are, the more you appreciate the speed of WTA 1000 tennis, particularly when two aggressive players start trading from the baseline.
But I wouldn't automatically spend the most money possible.
If you can get a good lower-level side seat, that's where I'd put my money. A great view of the court is more important to me than being directly behind the baseline in a premium section.
And don't ignore the secondary courts.
That's where you get the intimate tennis experience — fewer people, less ceremony and a much better chance of feeling as though you're sitting with the tennis rather than watching it from a distance.
For me, the perfect Wuhan day would involve one big match in the main stadium and at least one smaller-court discovery.
Very good.
The venue's dedicated tennis-centre layout works in your favour, with practice facilities and multiple courts creating more opportunities to see players away from the main match court.
And because this is a WTA 1000, you're not just hoping to spot an up-and-coming player.
You could be watching one of the biggest names in women's tennis warming up a few courts away.
I'd arrive early, check the practice schedule and resist the temptation to head straight for your main match.
The players have to practise somewhere.
You just need to find out where.
I'd go if you want top-level women's tennis without the full Grand Slam circus.
A WTA 1000 gives you the quality of field you'd expect from one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar, but Wuhan still feels like a manageable destination for a fan.
I'd particularly recommend it if you enjoy following the Asian swing and want to experience a tournament that feels distinctly different from the European and North American events.
And if you enjoy seeing home players in front of an enthusiastic Chinese crowd, even better.
There is always something special about a home crowd suddenly deciding that every point matters.
I'd explore the smaller courts.
Yes, you have come to a WTA 1000 and there will be some very big names on the main court. But this is exactly the sort of tournament where you can discover an excellent match simply by wandering somewhere you hadn't planned to go.
I'd also make the practice courts part of the day.
With a tournament of this level, there is a very good chance of seeing players preparing for their matches, and watching a top player practise from close quarters can be more fascinating than you might expect.
I'd also give yourself time to enjoy Wuhan itself.
Don't make the mistake of thinking the tournament is the destination and Wuhan is merely where your hotel happens to be.
The city deserves some attention too.
Wuhan can still be hot and humid in October, so don't let the autumn date fool you.
Daytime outdoor tennis can mean plenty of sunshine, particularly if you're moving between courts and spending several hours outside.
The main stadium provides considerably more protection than the smaller outdoor courts, but I'd still arrive prepared.
Hat.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Water.
And if you're someone who struggles with heat and humidity, I'd favour a later session where possible.
There is no prize for being the fan who manages to endure the most sunshine.
The Wuhan Optics Valley International Tennis Center is in Hongshan District, in the southeast of Wuhan.
The venue is away from the central tourist areas, so I'd plan your journey rather than assuming it will be a quick hop from wherever you're staying.
Wuhan has an extensive metro system, and public transport is generally the sensible option for getting around the city. For the final part of the journey, a taxi or ride-hailing service can make things considerably easier, particularly if you're travelling with luggage or leaving after an evening session.
I'd avoid driving unless you have a specific reason to do so.
And once you're inside the tennis centre, the fact that it's a dedicated tennis venue makes everything much simpler.
I'd skip it if your ideal tournament is tiny, quiet and wonderfully old-fashioned.
Wuhan is a serious WTA event. There are crowds, security, multiple courts and plenty happening around you.
I'd also think twice if you're travelling solely because you absolutely must see one particular player. The field is excellent, but players can withdraw or change their schedules.
And if you're not interested in Wuhan itself, I'd question travelling such a long way purely for the tennis.
This is one of those tournaments where the city and the event work better together.
Power in Numbers
56
Single Draws
15,000
Centre court seat
7
Courts