Li Na named tournament director of WTA event in 'vibrant' Hong Kong

Players competing at the Hong Kong Tennis Open next month will have the opportunity to pick the brain of two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 2 Li Na, who this week was announced at the new tournament director for the WTA 250 event.

Li, who retired from tennis 10 years ago, has appeared sporadically at tennis tournaments in recent years following the 2015 and 2016 births of her two children, beginning with her inducation into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019. Last year, she played the legends' event at Wimbledon for a second time (having first done so in 2018), and this January, returned to Melbourne Park for the 10-year anniversary of her championship, where she met with eventual finalist Zheng Qinwen and also competed in the invitational event.

But now, the two-time Grand Slam champion joins her fellow retired major-winner Garbiñe Muguruza in being named a WTA tournament director this year.

In June, Muguruza was tabbed to the post for the inaugural WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the first former player to hold the role at that tournament. Other high-profile former ATP and WTA players in tournament director roles include Amélie Mauresmo at Roland Garros, and James Blake and Tommy Haas at the joint ATP and WTA 1000 events at Miami and Indian Wells, respectively.

"Hong Kong’s unique culture as one of the world's most vibrant cities will appeal to players and fans alike," Li said in a video message posted to the tournament's social media. "I am looking forward to enjoying top-tier international tennis in what is undoubtedly Asia's leading events capital. I am looking forward to witnessing the competition amongst these world-class female players.

"I also hope to add my own experience to help participating players push their own personal limits in achieving ... success."

Players entered in the 2024 Hong Kong field, per the tournament website, include 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, former Top 10 player Danielle Collins in her final season, Wimbledon quarterfinalist Lulu Sun, and defending champion and 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez.

The tournament is set to take place from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 at Victoria Park Stadium.