Ningbo Open 2026: WTA 500 action returns this October

Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center. [Photo/Yongpai App]

The 2026 Ningbo Open is set to bring world-class women's tennis back to Ningbo this autumn, with the WTA 500 tournament running from Oct 19 to 25 and singles qualifying taking place on Oct 17 and 18.

As one of the top events on the WTA Tour, the Ningbo Open has risen rapidly since making its debut as a WTA 250 event in 2023. It was upgraded to WTA 500 status in 2024, marking an impressive rise on the international tennis calendar. The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts, with 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams competing for valuable ranking points.

Ningbo has also become a key stop on the Chinese swing, where players battle for crucial points in the race to qualify for the WTA Finals. Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina claimed the title in 2025, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in the final.

With another star-studded edition approaching, Ningbo is ready to welcome the world's leading female tennis players for another thrilling week of competition.

The retractable roof of the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center. [Photo/Yongpai App]