WUHAN, China, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- World no.1 Naomi Osaka of Japan has been awarded a wildcard into Wuhan Open, the WTA Premier 5 event to start in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on September 20.
"I'm very happy to return to Wuhan Open and very grateful for the opportunity of first wildcard. Wuhan Open has always attracted the best players. Wuhan is also the birthplace of Li Na, one of the most inspirational players who come from Asia," the reigning Australian Open champion said.
As defending champion, Osaka overcame a second set slump to take down unseeded Anna Blinkova of Russia and advanced into the women's singles second round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old is now one of the most successful Asian players and is also widely regarded as one of the most marketable female sports stars in the world.
"In the last year, Naomi has become an icon of women's tennis sport worldwide. We are thrilled to welcome Naomi back to Wuhan this year to join with incredible line-up of players. It is fantastic that Wuhan Open can host some of the world's best and most well-known athletes who bring with them a long list of remarkable achievements. Naomi epitomizes that," said Brenda Perry, co-tournament director of Wuhan Open.
According to the organizing committee, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep of Romania and Roland Garros champion Ashleigh Barty of Australia will both participate in the event. Eighteen of the world's top 20 and nine of the world's top 10 will compete on the field.
