Co-directors have high hopes for Wuhan Open

The Wuhan Open marked International Women's Day on Friday by becoming the most prestigious pro tournament to have female co-directors.

Veteran tennis professional Brenda Perry will join Li Qiuping in overseeing the $2.8 million WTA premier 5 tournament, which runs Sept 22-28.

At last year's Wuhan Open, rising star Wang Qiang made history by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the semifinals, which was also her first appearance in a premier 5 tournament.

Perry, a former New Zealand No 1, previously served as tournament director of the WTA Tour event in Auckland and has been a member of the Wuhan Open operations staff since the tournament's debut in 2014.

She has also held various roles within the WTA, including supervisor, director of on-site operations and serving as a board player representative.

Perry is an international consultant for Octagon, a global leader in sports and entertainment marketing and representation, which owns and operates the Wuhan Open.

Octagon has a successful long-term collaboration with the Wuhan Sports Development Investment Co. (WSDI) to run and develop the tournament.

Wuhan-born Li is general manager of WSDI and has been a driving force behind other major sporting events and infrastructure projects in Wuhan, including Optics Valley, one of China's leading technological development centers.

With the appointments of Perry and Li, the Wuhan Open becomes the highest-level tournament with female directors. They join WTA premier mandatory BNP Paribas Open assistant tournament director Peggy Michel as the three most senior women running WTA Tour events.

Li is proud that women are playing pivotal roles in a major international sports event.

"I'm very excited to be working with Brenda as we lead our strong global team in Wuhan," said Li.

"We're especially proud that we have a large female workforce in Wuhan, including a number of women in senior management roles within the local and international teams and throughout the organization. We also have a high proportion of female volunteers.

"The city of Wuhan has featured many amazing women in its history and we believe our tournament is part of their legacy. For example, historical Wuhan heroine Hua Mulan, a symbol of strength, courage and vision, was an inspirational leader with a spirit that Brenda and I aspire to emulate."

Perry echoed that sentiment, saying she looks forward to working with Li to lift the tournament to a higher level.

"The Wuhan Open has enjoyed a hugely successful first five years and now we have a wonderful opportunity to build on that success," said Perry.

"I really look forward to working with Li and the rest of our great team to keep driving the tournament forward, ensuring that it continues to be one of the best tennis events in the world.

"Both of us are inspired and energized to create the best showcase possible for some of the world's best female athletes."

The duo's involvement also boosts the confidence of WTA Tour chairman Steve Simon.

"I am incredibly pleased to welcome Brenda Perry and Li Qiuping as the Wuhan Open's tournament co-directors," said Simon.

"As strong supporters of women's professional tennis, Brenda and Li are sure to be an outstanding team, and we're especially proud to see the Wuhan Open appointing talented women in leadership opportunities throughout all areas of the event.

"We look forward to their success and what is sure to be another outstanding event for fans of world-class tennis in Wuhan."