New WTA event set for Switzerland

A new WTA indoor tournament will be staged in April each year starting in 2017 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

The tournament, facilitated by Octagon and InfrontRingier Sports & Entertainment Switzerland, has been categorised as an International-level event featuring 32 players in singles and 16 for doubles.

The tournament is well positioned at the start of the European spring season as players return to the continent following US spring hardcourt tournaments in Indian Wells and Key Biscayne.

The event is expected to be staged at the national tennis centre of Swiss Tennis – a new indoor arena is due for completion in February 2017.?

“Swiss tennis is enjoying an exceptional era and we’re delighted the beautiful town of Biel will be part of the WTA calendar in 2017,” said WTA CEO Steve Simon.

“We invite our fans to be part of the excitement and enjoy outstanding world-class tennis in Biel.”

Octagon, the global sports and entertainment marketing and talent management powerhouse, has extensive women’s tennis experience in Switzerland.

In addition to having staged a premier WTA tournament for 25 years in Zurich and other WTA competitions in Lucerne and Geneva, Octagon also represents Martina Hingis and Belinda Bencic.

“I am really looking forward to having another WTA tournament back in Switzerland,” Hingis said.

“I have fond memories of my first WTA tournament in Zurich and I am excited that Octagon has been able to work with Swiss Tennis and InfrontRingier to bring an International event to Biel.

“Being able to play in front of your home fans is a special experience and I plan to be involved as much as possible to help make the tournament a success for the Swiss tennis fans.”

Added Bencic: “It is a unique experience and great honor for me to be part of this WTA tournament in Switzerland. Having a tournament in my home country gives me the opportunity to give something back to the tennis fans in Switzerland.

“I know from my own experience that being able to watch the world’s best players in person can be inspiring. I really look forward to playing in front of the Swiss audience and will hopefully be able to contribute to the growth of the sport there.”