Tennis in Hong Kong
Taking a break from all the mega-event tennis match action at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open, Tournament Director, two-time Grand Slam champion China tennis legend Li Na, and the tournament’s very special VIP guest, four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 Naomi Osaka took in many of the sights and cultural experiences to be enjoyed in Hong Kong.
The pair enjoyed a personal tour, conducted by Mr. Brian Yuen, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Palace Museum Operation and Museum Associate Curator Dr. Shengyu Wang, of the museum’s historic “Origins of Chinese Civilization’ exhibition*. Director Ms. Suhanya Raffel and Lead Curator of Design and Architecture Ikko Yokoyama of the M+ Museum guided Li Na and Naomi around the fashion exhibition ‘Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination’**.
This special curation takes an introspective look at Guo Pei, who seamlessly blends Chinese cultural heritage with international influences and artistic expression. Naomi was captivated by the work of China's first couture artist, exclaiming on her social media channel, “It was at this very moment I saw my future. This exhibition is going to live rent-free in my mind forever.” Both stars also took time at the tournament itself to delight visiting fans with autograph signing at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024 Tournament Village, manifesting a deep connection between stars and fans throughout the sport event. Enjoying some of the famed tourist views of the city, Li Na enjoyed a trip on Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry, while Naomi boarded a yacht to take in the stunning views of Victoria Harbour and then explore Lamma Island, experiencing the local natural scenery and traditional village culture of the island. Naomi also had taken the opportunity to visit Happy Valley Racecourse to enjoy the excitement of some Happy Wednesday fun. Naomi also took the opportunity to host a clinic with 30 young tennis players from the National Training Squad of the Hong Kong China Tennis Association (HKCTA), encouraging them to follow their tennis dreams. A thrilled Osaka later posted her excitement at her Hong Kong experiences so far, saying “I love Hong Kong! I could live here!” HKCTA believe that the tournament is not purely a sport event but also a mega event in Hong Kong. In addition to promotion the tennis sprot to the public, we also hope to promote Hong Kong’s unique culture through tennis stars.
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) awarded "M" Mark status to the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open. The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr. Wilfred Ng, stated, “This international event attracts numerous world-class players to compete in Hong Kong each year. It is a grand occasion for the tennis community and provides them with exciting matches and unforgettable experiences.
It also serves as a good opportunity to promote tourism and the economy in Hong Kong, enhancing the city's established professional status in the international sports arena.” Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung, during his visit to Portugal, emphasized that Hong Kong is the ideal place for hosting international events due to its strengths and advantages.
Mr. Yeung added that Hong Kong has been actively advancing the development of sports in the community, supporting elite sports, promoting the city as a center for major international sports events, enhancing sports professionalism, and developing sports as an industry.
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