ATP 250 tennis tournament to be held in Singapore this Feb

Attention all tennis fans, Singapore will host an ATP 250 tennis tournament at the Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Arena from Feb 20 to Feb 28, 2021. 

According to a media release on Wednesday (Jan 20) by Sport Singapore (SportSG), Singapore has been granted a single-year license by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 2021. 

In terms of ranking points on the main men’s tour, the ATP 250 tournament category comes after the four Grand Slams (Wimbledon, U.S. Open, French Open and Australian Open), ATP Masters 1000 events and ATP 500 events.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Mr Edwin Tong celebrated the announcement on a Facebook post.

“Some great news for our sports fans – we might soon get to see some of the World’s top men’s tennis players right here, in Singapore,” he wrote.

He also said that he is looking forward to top-class tennis action this February. 

SportSG will work with the Singapore Tennis Association, Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Sports Hub to ensure strict implementation of safe management measures at the venue, and travel protocol for players and officials.

“The combined effort will be an important facet of enabling international sporting events to return to Singapore in stages through 2021,” said SportSG.

SportSG chief executive officer Mr Lim Teck Yin said: “We are mindful that the COVID situation is fluid and will adapt measures for the tournament that are consistent with the nation’s posture.” 

He also said that they are monitoring the situation at the Australian Open where the majority of players will be coming from.

Mr Lim said that SportSG is committed to “(bringing) sport back safely and deliver an event to activate the industry, and to inspire fans and the tennis fraternity.”

Mr Clement Leow, president of the Singapore Tennis Association, said: “A successful ATP 250 event in Singapore will contribute greatly towards the safe return to sports, as well as fire up the tennis fraternity and help to further promote the sport of tennis in Singapore.”

Alison Lee, executive vice president for international region (ATP) said: “Singapore has an excellent track record delivering international sporting events to a world-class standard.

“We have confidence this tournament will be no exception, with a primary focus on ensuring safety.”

Further details on ATP 250, including player profiles, schedules, COVID-19 protocols and event ticketing will be released soon.