A brand new WTA tournament is kicking off in Switzerland this weekend as Biel becomes the second Swiss city to host a WTA International tournament, joining the Gstaad event that was launched last year.
Played on indoor hardcourt, the Ladies Open Biel Bienne is based in the headquarters of the Swiss Tennis Federation, housed in a brand new arena that was built specifically for the new event.
The tournament is off to a good start, having attracted quite a few well-known names that want to take the last chance to play on hardcourt before the clay season. The tournament’s top seed is Barbora Strycova, joined by Julia Görges, Laura Siegemund, Annika Beck, Roberta Vinci, Alize Cornet, and others.
Needless to say, the Swiss players are keen on playing their new home event, with Belinda Bencic, Martina Hingis, Victorija Golubic and Timea Bacsinszky all in action, the latter only in doubles competition though.
While the qualifying rounds were underway on Sunday, fans got to get close to their local heroes as Belinda Bencic and Martina Hingis made plenty of young and old tennis fans happy by signing lots of autographs and posing for photos.
The event’s first round is due to kick off on Monday, so keep checking back to Women’s Tennis Blog for all the latest from the Ladies Open Biel Bienne.
What a great tournament. It’s star studded too despite on its inaugural stage. I hope a Swiss wins a title. That would be fun.