ZHENGZHOU, China - Organisers in China today confirmed a world class field for the Zhengzhou Open, the newest WTA Premier 700 event to feature on the 2019 WTA Calendar.

“Working around the clock with our team to make sure we bring a great event and now seeing the final entry list made of some of today’s greatest players is a very rewarding feeling," says tournament director Morgan Menahem.

"We are only one third of the way but are excited that soon Henan will take center stage on the tennis planet. We wish to extend a special welcome to tennis fans from around China and beyond.   Please join us in celebrating tennis in Zhengzhou this coming September.”

The newly upgraded event, taking place from 9-15 September in the historic city of Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, will feature five of the current World top 10 including World No.3 Karolina Pliskova, World No.4, 2019 Wimbledon and 2018 Roland Garros Champion Simona Halep, World No.5 Kiki Bertens, World No.7 and 2018 WTA Finals Champion Elina Svitolina and World No.10 Aryna Sabalenka.

“I'm really looking forward to playing at the new Zhengzhou Open," says Halep. "It's always exciting for us to add a new city to our calendar and I have heard that the Henan Province has a lot to offer. I can't wait to visit the city and introduce world-class women's tennis to the fans there.”

The $1 million prize money event, located at the Central Plains Tennis Center, will kick off the Asian swing and is one of nine WTA events now hosted in China, the only country to feature one of each category of WTA tournament.

"I am excited to play the Zhengzhou Open for the first time this year," notes Bertens. "I’ve heard great things about the tournament from other players on tour so I think playing Zhengzhou will be an excellent way to kickstart the Asian WTA tournament swing."

"Asia stays in my heart after winning WTA Finals and it’s a double-pleasure for me to come back and play at Zhengzhou," adds Svitolina. "I’m always amazed by the powerful support of Asian fans. Hope to show you my best game this year." 

Check out the full entry list here:

PLISKOVA, KAROLINA (CZE) - WTA RANKING - 3 

HALEP, SIMONA (ROU) - WTA RANKING - 4

BERTENS, KIKI (NED) - WTA RANKING - 5

SVITOLINA, ELINA (UKR) - WTA RANKING - 7

SABALENKA, ARYNA (BLR) - WTA RANKING - 10

KONTAVEIT, ANETT (EST) - WTA RANKING - 19

WANG, QIANG (CHN) - WTA RANKING - 16

MARTIC, PETRA (CRO) - WTA RANKING - 21

GARCIA, CAROLINE (FRA) WTA RANKING - 22

KENIN, SOFIA (USA) - WTA RANKING - 28

SAKKARI, MARIA (GRE) - WTA RANKING - 30

TSURENKO, LESIA (UKR) - WTA RANKING - 35 

RISKE, ALISON (USA) - WTA RANKING - 37 

PUTINTSEVA, YULIA (KAZ) - WTA RANKING - 39 

TOMLJANOVIC, AJLA (AUS) - WTA RANKING - 42 

MLADENOVIC, KRISTINA(FRA) - WTA RANKING - 49

CORNET, ALIZÉ (FRA) - WTA RANKING - 52 

HERCOG, POLONA (SLO) - WTA RANKING - 53 

ZHENG, SAISAI (CHN) - WTA RANKING - 55 

ZIDANSEK, TAMARA (SLO) - WTA RANKING - 60