NINGBO, CHINA, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Thousands of spectators looked on as the opening ceremony for the 2026 Bank of Ningbo Ningbo Open unfolded at the central court of the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center on the evening of October 19. The venue’s retractable roof slowly slid open, signalling the official launch of this worldclass tennis event.
Shortly after 7 p.m., an opening light show illuminated the complex, casting dynamic light patterns across the contours of the central court. A dance performance titled Yinzhou SongEra Charm brought Ningbo’s rich Songdynasty cultural legacy to life on stage. The production merged centuriesold local heritage with the highenergy spirit of modern tennis, echoing the reputation of Ningbo as a “City of Champions”. Players Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko were among those in attendance for the ceremony.
Bai Xilin, Director and Party Committee Secretary of the Tennis Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, delivered opening remarks at the event. He offered formal congratulations on the tournament’s inauguration. Speaking to the assembled audience, he described Ningbo as a fortunate, open and forwardlooking city. He noted that the Ningbo Open had undergone a remarkable threeyear transformation, evolving from a basic competition into a highprofile international fixture. The tournament has earned the WTA 500 Progress Award of the Year award and has established itself as a key stop on the China tennis circuit. “It allows the world to discover Ningbo and brings Ningbo onto the global stage,” Bai stated.
A formal awards segment followed, where WTA Supervisor Kerilyn Kramer presented the WTA 500 Progress Award of the Year honour to the Ningbo Open. This industrywide accolade recognises the most improved WTA 500 tournament worldwide each calendar year. Since being upgraded to WTA 500 status in 2024, the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center has completed major facility upgrades. Works include installation of the centralcourt retractable roof, construction of a new grandstand court, and renovation of dedicated player facilities. These investments have helped propel the Ningbo Open from an emerging event to one that draws global attention.
As a live countdown echoed through the arena, local officials and special guests pressed LED pillar activation devices to formally open the 2026 Bank of Ningbo Ningbo Open. Nicknamed “Camellia”, the stadium roof drew back fully while light projections swept across the competition surface. Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko then moved courtside for informal hitting sessions with fans, pushing openingnight excitement to its peak.
Main draw play got underway October 19. Singles and doubles champions will be crowned on October 25. Competitors from over 20 countries and regions will contest matches across courts at the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center.
The 2026 Bank of Ningbo Ningbo Open is cohosted by the Tennis Management Center under the General Administration of Sport of China and the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government. Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Sports and the People’s Government of Yinzhou District are the organisers. Ningbo Huifeng Sports Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yincheng Group, handles onsite operational delivery. Supporting organisations are the Ningbo Sports Exchange and Competition Centre and the Yinzhou District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports.
Xin
Ningbo Huifeng Sports Development Co., Ltd.
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