From world-class tennis action to inspiring the next generation of youth, tennis took centre stage in style at Kallang this past week
This is a feature article written by SportPlus.sg for Kallang Alive Sports Management. For more sports events, programmes and human stories of Singapore Sports Hub, visit the Singapore Sports Hub 'Here to Play' website.
The inaugural Singapore Tennis Open (STO) 2025 came to a thrilling close yesterday, capping off a week of high-octane tennis action that not only showcased world-class talent but also brought fans closer to the sport through a variety of fringe events, clinics, and unique experiences.
As the tournament concluded, it was clear that this year’s edition was more than just a competitive showcase of tennis talents - it was a celebration of tennis at every level and an opportunity to nurture the sport's growth in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.
Main Tournament: A Star-Studded Showdown
Second-seed Elise Mertens took home her 9th career WTA singles title with a dominant victory over American Ann Li in the singles final in front of a 22,000 crowd at the Kallang Tennis Hub.
Elise Mertens’ journey to the 2025 Singapore Tennis Open crown was nothing short of impressive. After a strong run throughout the week, the Belgian showed up in the final in full control, defeating Ann Li 6-1, 6-4 in just 82 minutes. It was a flawless performance by Mertens, who captured her first title since Monastir in 2023.
Mertens had dropped just one set in her four previous matches, setting the stage for a confident final. Li, on the other hand, had breezed through the tournament without dropping a set, and was the perfect foil for Mertens, whose clinical baseline game proved too strong. The match kicked off with Mertens taking charge right from the start, winning the first set in a blistering 26 minutes.
For Mertens, this victory was a testament to her consistency and mental toughness, as she returned to the winner’s circle after a year-long wait. As she lifted the trophy, Mertens showed why she remains one of the WTA’s most formidable players after a year-long wait.
Meanwhile in the doubles final, the pair of Kaitlyn Krawczyk and Giuliana Olmos emerged victorious, securing their first title together in nearly five years. Krawczyk and Olmos displayed superb teamwork and tactical brilliance to claim the title after a hard-fought match against Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai. Their 7-5, 6-0 win marked a remarkable comeback to form, with the duo clinching their first title together since 2020.
Krawczyk and Olmos faced tough opposition throughout the tournament, with four of their seven sets going to tight 7-5 or 7-6 scorelines. Their ability to execute in crucial moments, particularly at the net and on serve, helped them maintain their composure.
In the final, they raced to a quick 3-0 lead, a sign of their chemistry and tactical awareness. Although Wang and Zheng put up a valiant fight, Krawczyk and Olmos secured the first set 7-5, then steamrolled their opponents in the second set, finishing with a 6-0 scoreline.
Their victory was a well-earned one, and it marked a positive return for the American-Mexican pair, who had not won a title together in nearly five years. As they lifted the trophy, Krawczyk and Olmos celebrated not only the victory but also the strong bond they had developed as partners.
Team Singapore clinches the Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup
While the thrilling on-court action by the pros was the highlight of the week, tennis fans also got to witness other exciting events like the Singapore Tennis Invitational Cup (STIC), an invitational tournament for four South-east Asian teams that was held in tandem with the STO from 27 January to 2 February.
Singapore clinched the inaugural regional quadrangular after defeating Indonesia 3-2 in an exciting final. Having been defeated by the same opponents two days earlier in the round-robin tournament, the Singapore team was out to make amends and successfully claimed a first title on home soil.
The team began with Bill Chan defeating his Indonesian counterpart Renaldi Aqila 7-6 (7-1), 6-1 in the Men's Singles, and Eva Marie Desvignes adding a second win in her women’s singles match against Kholisa Siti Maisaroh (6-3, 6-2), before Jimenez and Abadia sealed victory in the men's doubles for the hosts in a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 10-1 win over Indonesia’s Aldhito Ramadhan Kurniawan and Mazza Hadaduzzikra.
Eva Marie Desvignes believes tournaments like the STIC will help athletes like her gain valuable experience as it isn’t very often the team has opportunities to spar with regional competitors.
She shared: "I think it's extremely important for us to experience something completely new, it's going to help us all improve. We are also gaining valuable experience by watching and supporting. It's something different that we don't get very often."
Her teammate Lynelle Lim, who competed in the women’s doubles event with Audrey Tong echoed the sentiment.
“The main difference between my time playing overseas and here in Singapore is in the match play opportunities. We can train as hard as anyone else here but without match play we would lose out to overseas athletes. Tournaments like the STIC is a step in the right direction to create more opportunities to do so.”
When asked how difficult it would be for the next generation of athletes to pick up tennis in Singapore, Steve Ng who competed in the mixed doubles at the STIC shared that he believes with the new Kallang Tennis Hub, tennis enthusiasts now have greater access to the sport.
“I think there are a lot more courts available now in Singapore, not just in private condominiums but people can access public courts a lot easier in places like the Kallang Tennis Hub. That can only be a good thing.
Engaging Fans Beyond the Court
Beyond the fierce competition on the courts, the STO was a showcase of tennis as a sport that welcomes fans from all walks of life.
With tennis clinics for young players and opportunities to meet legends, the tournament proved to be much more than just a series of matches. Fans were given a chance to get involved and connect with the sport in meaningful ways. The fan-friendly initiatives — including affordable ticketing and community-focused activities — helping to grow the sport’s presence in Singapore and the region, fostering interest and passion in future generations of players.
One of the key themes of the STO was making tennis more accessible to everyone. The tournament’s emphasis on fan engagement, community outreach, and the inclusion of interactive experiences helped to break down the barriers to entry for fans and players alike.
Whether through discounted tickets for local residents, youth-focused programming, or the chance to watch players up close during training sessions, the tournament ensured that tennis was within reach for people from all walks of life.
Tennis Clinics: Shaping the Future of Tennis
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the series of tennis clinics hosted by top players and coaches. These clinics offered fans — both beginners and more advanced players — a chance to improve their skills, receive personalised coaching tips, and connect with professionals. Children and aspiring tennis stars were also able to learn the fundamentals of the game while gaining valuable insights into the mental and physical aspects of professional tennis.
By creating such accessible learning opportunities, the STO has played a significant role in fostering the next generation of tennis players. These clinics were not only about technique, but also about instilling a love for the game, inspiring young fans to pursue their passion for tennis.
Anushka, 9, is an ActiveSG Tennis Academy participant who benefited from the Red Ball Tournament for kids as her father Deepak Deepak Kallankara pointed out.
"Events like the Singapore Tennis Open is good as it motivates kids to play better by watching world class tennis players in action, while giving them the opportunity to play with other kids at their level looking to improve in tennis," he said.
"ActiveSG is a good example and offers kids with opportunities - those with potential are then identified and nurtured to become better tennis athletes, which would otherwise take a lot more money for parents so it's a lot of support."
Legends Meet and Greet: A Personal Touch
Perhaps one of the most memorable elements of this year’s event was the Legends Meet and Greet. Former tennis greats, including some of the sport's biggest names, were on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, and share stories from their illustrious careers. These intimate encounters allowed fans to connect with their idols, hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and experience firsthand the passion that has driven these legendary figures throughout their careers.
The Meet and Greet was more than just a nostalgic celebration of tennis history—it was an opportunity for younger fans to learn from the icons who shaped the sport and gain inspiration from their journeys. With tennis legends such as Yayuk Basuki and Tamarine Tanasugarn offering advice and encouragement to budding athletes, it was clear that the event was fostering a deeper connection to the sport across generations.
A Bright Future for Tennis in Singapore
As the final ball was hit and the 2025 STO wrapped up, it is clear that the event has accomplished more than just crowning champions. With an approach that fosters high-level competition, fan engagement, and commitment to growing the sport, the tournament has demonstrated its importance in Singapore’s sporting calendar and is one to look forward to in the years to come.
By offering accessible experiences for fans and players alike, the event not only entertained but also inspired the next generation of tennis stars. As tennis continues to grow in Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia, initiatives like the Singapore Tennis Open can only help to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport. #SgTennisOpen #mySgSportsHub #WTA
Comments