HONG KONG—The main draw of Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open began on Monday Oct 10, and grabbed the attention of the Hong Kong public, with an impressive opening match between Venus Williams and Risa Ozaki. This was the curtain-raiser before the formalities of token speeches, an obligatory Lion dance and some crowd-pleasing entertainment.
It was the action on a packed Centre Court between Venus Williams and Risa Ozaki that truly signaled the ‘opening of the Open’. Williams won 6-4, 6-1 in 74 minutes. The first set was a tough contest, between the two players battling the heat and getting a measure of the court. It was power tennis with baseline shots, blistering forehand ground strokes and hard-hitting backhand shots. Not a lot of delicate net play, nor drop shots, and neither player would have been happy with the consistency of serve.
Venus dominated the second set, and becoming more assured the longer the match progressed, and experience told. Risa Ozaki played some feisty tennis, but could not maintain consistency of play as well as Williams; and that was reflected in the final score.
Williams is a great ambassador for Hong Kong tennis. She has been a regular visitor since1999 and enjoys the City. The only thing warmer than the on-court temperature was sentiment expressed by Venus Williams to the appreciative crowd of how much she enjoys this event.
It was the perfect opening match. As the week progresses Angelique Kerber, Johanna Konta, Sam Stosur and Caroline Wozniacki will take part in this USD250,000 WTA event.
Much to the delight of the crowd, Williams suggested her sister (Serena) should join her next year for the Doubles. This may have been in jest, but can the Hong Kong Tennis Association can turn these light words into a full commitment? And not only Serena; hopefully one day Hong Kong can welcome a Men’s event with the likes of Roger, Rafa, Djoko, Andy, Stan and Kei!
All credit to the event: ‘People’s Monday’ was a great success and it is good to see the Hong Kong public embrace the Tournament, and the Tournament make everyone, of all ages, feel so welcome.
Grahame Carder is a sports enthusiast, former player and now resident in Hong Kong.
