China Open banks on new partnership to elevate global influence

Asia's biggest tennis tournament, the China Open, looks set to improve its portfolio and enjoy even more interest, as it announces a new partnership that it hopes will help take its international influence to new heights.

The premier tennis showpiece, which combines the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 tournaments, said on Friday that it has signed a long-term strategic alliance with HSBC Group to add the banking giant as its top-tier Presenting Partner beginning from 2026.

The new partnership was announced at the Diamond Court of the National Tennis Center in Beijing, marking a critical upgrade for the premier tennis tournament ahead of its 20th edition, which will take place from Sept 13 to Oct 11.

The new sponsorship stands as a key milestone in the tournament's strategic upgrading, which is expected to help expand the event's international reach, further elevating its global brand influence and advancing its goal of developing into a world-class tournament, according to organizers.

"HSBC's new role as the Presenting Partner of the China Open represents a mutual pursuit driven by shared values and a common vision," Bi Yong, director and general manager of Beijing Capital Group, the parent company of China Open, said.

"We firmly believe that HSBC's involvement will bring fresh global perspectives and renewed momentum to the tournament, while further broadening and deepening our cooperation with HSBC across other sectors.

"Looking ahead, using the China Open as a bridge, we will actively explore integrated pathways that combine finance, sports, and urban services, and establish a benchmark model demonstrating central local synergy, industry finance integration and mutual reinforcement between culture and sports," Bi said.

According to Li Xuhua, general manager of China Open's promoting and operating company, the financial support from HSBC will help facilitate the tournament's infrastructure update, improve operational standards and enhance tournament experience for players and spectators.

"We look forward to building on that valued legacy and working closely with the China Open and wider partners to support its continued success," Brendan Nelson, group chairman of HSBC, said.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn