With just 10 days to go before the start of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, the tennis fever has hit the city with a slew of entertainment and lifestyle activities happening alongside the on-court action at the crown jewel event of the WTA calendar.
The Porsche Race to Singapore is set to culminate in a world-class display of tennis action by the world’s greatest singles players and doubles teams at 2017 WTA Finals. With the recent addition of Caroline Garcia, who displayed her dominance at the Asian Swing, fans can get ready for a real treat with the line-up filled with formidable young players like Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Garbiñe Muguruza, newly crowned WTA World No. 1 Simona Halep and veteran superstars like Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki who have rallied through a resurgent season.
“The Porsche Race to Singapore has been a showcase of unbelievable performances throughout the year, with thrilling twists and turns. We are excited for the arrival of the world’s greatest in women’s tennis again in Singapore, and are looking forward to the grand finale of what has been a highly competitive season,” shared Melissa Pine, Vice-President of WTA Asia-Pacific and Tournament Director of the WTA Finals.
Whilst the world’s greatest women tennis players battle it out at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, tennis fever will extend across the island and public can look forward to meet some of women’s tennis greatest legends like Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Kim Clijsters and more in various community activities.
Tennis at the heart of the city
From 20 to 29 October, Courtside@CHIJMES, a family-friendly carnival will serve up a variety of activities including tennis-themed games, a health and sustainability fair, guilt-free food market, mass Zumba work-out, watercolour and brush calligraphy, as well as gardening and leather crafting workshops. Visitors can also enjoy art and light installations including an APP-commissioned interactive art piece titled “Glimpse” by local multi-disciplinary artist Yang, which dispenses DIY planting kits made from recycled tennis balls when activated. On 24 October, tennis fans can get up-close to their favourite doubles players as they determine their match-up’s at the Doubles Draw Ceremony.
Throughout the week, WTA Finals 2017 ticket-holders can enjoy special F&B perks of up to 50% when they dine at CHIJMES and travel conveniently between the Singapore Sports Hub and CHIJMES with complimentary shuttle services, during the tournament.
Aside from CHIJMES, Adrift at Marina Bay Sands - the Official Bar of the WTA Finals - will be serving up a specially-curated menu of eight tennis-themed cocktails such as the Gin Spin, Lawn Dart, Garden Margarita and different variations of Pimm’s. WTA Finals ticket-holders looking to catch a pre- or post-match drink can enjoy 1:1 promotions and discounts on the bespoke drinks menu. Tennis fans can also watch an exclusive screening of the Singles Draw Ceremony while sipping their drinks at the bar on 20 October.
Sports and tennis professionals will also benefit from the stellar line up at the Tennis Coaches Conference on 23 October at the Conrad Centennial Hotel. Headlining the conference are former WTA World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport and Judy Murray, a trailblazer in grassroots tennis development and mother of Grand-Slam winning sons, Jamie and Andy Murray.
The best of sport, lifestyle and entertainment at the hub
The Singapore Sports Hub, epicentre of the tennis action, will also be abuzz with a mix of sport, lifestyle and entertainment activities suitable for all.
Kickstarting the week on a high is a one-stop, Asia-exclusive performance by the best-selling boyband of all time, the Backstreet Boys, on 21 October at the National Stadium. Fans can rock to their favourite tunes at the highly-anticipated concert, held in conjunction with the WTA Finals.
At the Fan Village located at OCBC Square, visitors can strengthen their skills with a virtual game of tennis, strike a pose for tennis-themed photographs and win exclusive prizes across the multiple activities. A custom lettering service starting from just S$2 is also available for those looking to customise their tennis memorabilia. Beyond the tennis, visitors can also take part in perfumery, henna design and ceramic potmaking classes.
Fans will also have opportunities to rub shoulders with their favourite tennis stars and legends as they make their appearances at various parts of the tennis hub. Budding tennis stars can develop their A game, picking up tips as they watch the greats practise at the free-to-enter Player Practice Sessions taking place 21, 22 and 28 October at the OCBC Arena.
For a holistic tennis experience, fans can join the Singapore Tennis Festival Experience Tour by ActiveSG, taking place at the Sports Hub from 22-29 October. Beyond watching the stars in action, fans will take part in in a wide variety of tennis games, challenges, try-outs and workouts, and play tennis with Team Singapore athletes. Participants will also get a limited edition tour pack and a lucky draw chance to win a trip to a Grand Slam next year.
At the Racquet Club, the premium hospitality experience, guests will catch their favourite tennis stars and legends up close and personal at meet-and-greet sessions at dedicated suites, all while enjoying access to the best seats in the house, a premium dining experience and free flow of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for a definitive tournament experience.
“Our focus for the WTA Finals has always been to provide a quality, world-class sporting and lifestyle event that not only caters to tennis fans, but also people with different interests,” shared Sarah Clements, VicePresident of Tennis – Asia at Lagardère Sports.
“This year, through an expanded programme that extends beyond the court and into to the heart of the city, we hope to create meaningful touchpoints to engage and excite our audiences. With a solid tournament lineup, a curated and complementary catalogue of lifestyle and entertainment activities at Courtside@CHIJMES and Fan Village, and an effort to drive an elevated experience through the Racquet Club and other event-goer perks, there is something for everyone to create an unforgettable time at this year’s event”.
The WTAFinals.com website is a one-stop centre for fans to get tickets, win opportunities to enhance your event experience and learn about all things tournament-related, from the rules of the game, to inside scoops, as well as the latest from leading players as they journey on the qualification route to Singapore.
For the latest Porsche Race to Singapore Leaderboard, refer to http://www.wtafinals.com/
