Empty stands in Guangzhou

As much as the WTA has focused on Asia – China, in particular – as a new frontier for increasing its revenue, the fans are often disguised as empty seats.

Last weekend’s final at the International event in Guangzhou only underscores the dichotomy.

The tournament, around since 2004, had a Chinese player in the final. And she won.

And yet, the stands were woefully empty. There will be more of the same in the coming weeks, on both the men’s and women’s sides.

Perhaps the corporate sponsorship is there. But the optics are poor.

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Stephanie Myles

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