Mérida Open Ready for New Chapter as a WTA 500 Tournament
The Mérida Open is set to make history as it steps up to the prestigious 500 category of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). This distinction is a rarity, with only 18 tournaments worldwide holding the 500 status for the 2025 season, including the year-opening Perth tournament. This elevated category allows the winner to earn 500 points in the world ranking and boasts a prize pool of one million dollars.
Key Participants at the Mérida Open
The Mérida Open, which enjoyed two successful editions in the 250 category, has evolved thanks to the efforts of organizers and the players’ satisfaction. This year, the tournament will be held from March 24 to 2 at the luxurious hard courts of the Yucatán Country Club in Mérida.
Notably, the tournament will feature two top-ten WTA players: American Emma Navarro (ranked 9th) and Spanish Paula Badosa (ranked 10th). The Main Draw will also include:
– Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil, 16th)
– Donna Vekic (17th)
– Marta Kostyuk (22nd)
– Magdalena Frech (28th)
– Maria Sakkari (31st)
– Magda Linette (37th)
– Marie Bouzkova (43rd)
– Rebecca Sramkova (44th)
– Lulu Sun (45th)
– Anhelina Kalinina (48th)
– Elina Avanesyan (49th)
– Veronika Kudermetova (51st)
– Camila Osorio (55th)
– Jessica Bouzas (57th)
– Polina Kudermetova (58th)
Additionally, Mexican player Renata Zarazúa, currently the country’s top singles player (ranked 69th), received an invitation. Other notable participants include 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu (Canada), American Sloane Stephens, and Russian Anna Kalinskaya (19th).
A Special Tournament for Mexico
The Mérida Open’s inclusion in the 500 category makes it the third women’s tennis tournament of this stature in Mexico, joining the Monterrey Open in August and the Guadalajara Open in September. This progression underscores the growth of tennis in the country.
Following the 500 category, the WTA 1000 competitions and the four Grand Slams are the pinnacle of the sport. The Mérida Open aspires to begin a new chapter in this illustrious journey.
Source: Esto
