WTA Finals! Guide to fringe events
Talk about an ace sporting event! Come October 25, the Singapore Sports Hub springs into women’s tennis action with the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global. Court-dominating superstars like Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep return to our isle for the second consecutive year for seat-gripping Singles and Doubles matches. Naturally, this is set to be one of the most ballin’ tennis tournaments of the year, so you can expect the bustle to extend beyond the lobs and smashes. Whether you’re a tennis junkie or a head-scratching newbie, this spectacle will have something to keep you exhilarated. Yes, we’re getting served, and we’re not complaining one bit.
For The Fans
You probably don’t need any hyping up if you’re the type to scream at your telly when your favourite tennis champs ‘Game, Set and Match’. Rest assured, the WTA Finals will be rife with all kinds of high-intensity showdowns – from Round Robin Singles and Doubles matches, to WTA Legends Classic duels between Martina Navratilova and Tracy Austin, to even showcases between future stars who will undoubtedly be candidates, someday, for ‘Match Of The Year’. And you can even witness the practice routines of these esteemed sportswomen as they warm up live in front of starry-eyed audiences. Perhaps you’ll learn a secret or two!
For The Behind-The-Scenes Savants
No event this gargantuan is possible without the networks and authorities that keep it running. If such off-court hubbub thrills you as much as the game, then you should sign yourself up pronto for Racquet Club, the official hospitality programme of the WTA Finals. A premier client engagement programme for networking, The Racquet Club not only lets you rub shoulders with the tennis players and legends themselves, but it also initiates discussions between the event organisers. There will even be a forum dedicated to celebrating women’s extraordinary achievements in business, the community and homes – Ladies Day at the Tennis on 28 October 2015. Moreover, no tennis champion would be where she is today without her trusty coach – so listen up, coaches. Register for the Tennis Coaches Conference (October 26 and 27) to learn tips, techniques and trade secrets from the most revered coaches in the circuit. Want your student to be a future #1? Here’s a good place to start.
For The Entertainment Hunters
Even tennis pros need a break, and sure enough, you can find plenty of things to do at Singapore Sports Hub. Head to the Fan Zone at OCBC Square (admission is free!) for family-friendly activities and tennis-themed shenanigans. Aside from tempting giveaways of free fitness classes and discounts at Marina Bay Sands, you can also clock your serve to see if you pack a meaner punch than Sharapova. There will also be a sense-bending Virtual Reality Tennis Experience, rare photo opps and even an unorthodox art station (Tennis For Every Child Grand Splat) where you can ‘paint’ a masterpiece with tennis racquets and paint balls – go figure! Wrapping up the grand extravaganza is saucy British powerhouse, Paloma Faith, who takes the stage on 30 October 2015 at Marina Bay Sands – a special showcase dubbed the Singapore Tennis Evening. Winner of best British Female Solo Artist of the 2015 Brit Awards, Faith’s stage presence is one-of-a-kind with her smoky, soul-tinted vocals and flamboyant garbs.
For detailed information of match dates, event timings and ticket packages, visit www.sportshub.com.sg/WTAFinals.
BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, October 23 to November 1, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore 397718, p. 6653 8900.
This article is sponsored by BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.