WUHAN, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- 19 of the world's current top 20 players will take part in the 2018 WTA Wuhan Open, including seven Grand Slam singles champions, event organizers said here on Wednesday.
The 43-strong main draw list includes French Open champion Simona Halep, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki, Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber, world No. 3 Sloane Stephens, and world No. 5 Caroline Garcia, all of whom will compete at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center from September 21 to 29.
Halep, who claimed her first Grand Slam title in Roland Garros this year, has been world No.1 since October 9, 2017. If she succeeds in collecting her first Wuhan Open win, she stands a good chance of being ranked world No.1 by the end of the year.
However, if Kerber, Stephens or Garcia manage to take the title, they also stand a chance of snaring the coveted year-end No.1 spot. Petra Kvitova, who has claimed 5 titles this season, is likely to be in the running for victory in Wuhan as well.
China's Zhang Shuai, ranked 32nd in the world, will feature directly in the main draw, while Wang Qiang, Zheng Saisai and Wang Yafan may have to qualify in order to feature in the tournament proper.
In addition, FoxTenn electronic line-calling system will be used during this year's tournament to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the umpires' decisions. Enditem
