The Singapore Tennis Open (STO) 2025 officially welcomed Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) stars, officials, and fans to the Lion City with a glamorous Players’ Welcome Party on January 26. Organized by Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM), the event celebrated the perfect blend of sport and culture, setting the stage for Singapore’s three-year hosting of the tournament.
A Cultural Showcase with WTA Icons
WTA players, including Ajla Tomljanović and Elise Mertens, lit up the evening in stunning kebayas, the traditional Southeast Asian garment recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Adding to the cultural flair, local percussion group Rhythm Masala energized the event with a vibrant performance.
Players eagerly joined the percussionists, showcasing their off-court creativity and embracing Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.
Front Row (L-R): Mr. Quek Swee Kuan, CEO, Kallang Alive Sport Management; Mr. Keith Magnus, Chairman, Kallang Alive Sport Management; Mr. Alan Goh, CEO, Sport Singapore; Ms. Laura Ceccarelli, Chief Operating Officer, APG and Co-Tournament Director of the Singapore Tennis Open 2025; Ms. Cristina Romero, Supervisor, Women’s Tennis Association; Ms. Jasmine Quek, President, Singapore Tennis Association Mr. Yazed Osman, Group Head of Events & Placemaking and Place Management, Kallang Alive Sport Management and Co-Tournament Director of the Singapore Tennis Open 2025
(Credit: Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth)
Guest of Honour: A Vision for Sports in Singapore
Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. In his speech, he emphasized Singapore’s dedication to hosting world-class events, fostering community engagement, and inspiring future tennis players.
“The Kallang Tennis Hub is a dynamic space where the community can come together to train, play, and connect. We hope these events will inspire and ignite a passion for sport among Singaporeans and the next generation of tennis players,” he remarked.
The party also welcomed executives from WTA, Sport Singapore, KASM, the Singapore Tennis Association (STA), and tournament sponsors.
Excitement from the Players
Players expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament and Singapore’s hospitality:
- Anna Kalinskaya: “Singapore has been absolutely incredible. The past few days have been fantastic, and I can’t wait to experience even more on and off the court.”
- Emma Raducanu: “Singapore has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve been working hard to prepare for the tournament and look forward to building on my performance.”
- Wang Xinyu: “It’s always exciting to step onto a fresh stage like the Kallang Tennis Hub. Every match is a chance to challenge myself and grow.”
Anticipated Matchups and Fan Activities
The STO features a 32-player singles draw and a 16-pair doubles draw, with thrilling matches kicking off on January 27 at the Kallang Tennis Hub.
Key opening matches include:
- Top seed Anna Kalinskaya vs. Caroline Dolehide
- Seventh seed Emma Raducanu vs. Cristina Bucșa
- Second seed Elise Mertens vs. Taylor Townsend, fresh from her Australian Open doubles triumph.
Fans can also enjoy the Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup, held at the Kallang Tennis Hub outdoor courts, with free entry from January 28 to February 1.
Off-Court Attractions
The STO Fan Village offers interactive tennis-themed activities, meet-and-greets with WTA stars, and appearances by STO Community Ambassadors Tamarine Tanasugarn and Yayuk Basuki. During tournament week, STA, ActiveSG Tennis Academy, and Junior Team Tennis League will host tennis clinics featuring WTA players.
