The 2025 Korea Open, a premier WTA 500 tournament, is set to electrify Seoul from September 15 to 21, promising a thrilling showcase of women’s tennis at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center. With a star-studded entry list headlined by world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, alongside rising stars Emma Raducanu and Amanda Anisimova, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in its 21-year history. As part of the WTA Tour’s Asian Swing, the hardcourt tournament offers a total prize money of $1,064,510 and significant ranking points, making it a pivotal stop for players aiming to climb the rankings or solidify their positions.
Leading the field is Iga Swiatek, the six-time Grand Slam champion whose commanding presence on the court continues to captivate fans. Fresh off her maiden Wimbledon title in 2025, Swiatek is eager to rebound from a quarter-final exit at the US Open. “I’m excited to be back in Seoul,” Swiatek said, reflecting on her return to the Korea Open. As the top seed, she faces stiff competition, particularly from Amanda Anisimova, the world No. 4 and US Open finalist who challenged Swiatek at Wimbledon earlier this year. Anisimova, seeded second, is hungry for redemption after falling to Swiatek in that Grand Slam final. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Anisimova noted, signaling her intent to make a deep run in Seoul.
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, enters as a wildcard and a fan favorite, bringing her dynamic play and relentless spirit. Currently ranked No. 36, Raducanu is coming off a career-best season with 26 wins, including a third-round appearance at the 2025 US Open. “It’s the 26th win of the year for me,” she celebrated after her victory over Claire Tjen in New York, underscoring her growth. With only 108 quarter-final points to defend from her injury-marred 2024 Korea Open campaign, a strong performance could propel her up the rankings. Her recent coaching partnership with Francisco Roig, formerly of Rafael Nadal’s team, has added new dimensions to her game, making her a player to watch.
The entry list boasts other notable names, including world No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova and No. 12 Clara Tauson, who round out the top four seeds. Defending champion Beatriz Haddad Maia, who triumphed over Daria Kasatkina in the 2024 final, returns as the eighth seed, aiming to become the first player to defend the title since Caroline Wozniacki in 2011. Kasatkina, seeded fifth, and Diana Shnaider, seeded sixth, add depth to the Russian contingent, while Veronika Kudermetova completes the seeded players. The tournament also features former champions like Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova in its storied history, with Raducanu’s wildcard entry echoing the event’s tradition of spotlighting emerging talent.
The Korea Open, upgraded to WTA 500 status in 2024, offers substantial rewards. The women’s singles champion will earn $164,000 and 500 ranking points, while the runner-up takes home $101,000 and 325 points. The draw, featuring 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams, will be revealed closer to the tournament’s start, with qualifying rounds kicking off on September 13. The schedule unfolds with first-round matches on September 15–16, second rounds on September 17–18, quarter-finals on September 19, semi-finals on September 20, and the finals on September 21. In doubles, top seeds Asia Muhammad and Demi Schuurs lead the field, joined by pairs like Alexandra Panova and Ellen Perez.
Held at the iconic Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center, a 10,000-seat venue built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, the tournament promises a vibrant atmosphere. “Experience the thrilling atmosphere as top-ranked players battle for glory,” the event’s organizers enthused, highlighting the electric energy of center court. Fans can expect heart-pounding rallies and emotional victories, with food stalls and merchandise enhancing the off-court experience. For Raducanu, Swiatek, and Anisimova, the Korea Open is more than a tournament—it’s a chance to make a statement. As Swiatek aims to reclaim her dominance, Anisimova seeks vengeance, and Raducanu chases a rankings surge, Seoul is poised to deliver unforgettable tennis drama.
# 2025 Korea Open: Swiatek, Raducanu, Anisimova Lead Star-Studded Field
## Tournament Details
– **Dates**: September 15–21, 2025
– **Location**: Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center, Seoul, South Korea
– **Surface**: Outdoor Hard Courts
– **Category**: WTA 500
– **Draw Size**: 28 Singles / 16 Doubles
– **Total Prize Money**: $1,064,510
## Prize Money and Points (Singles)
– **Winner**: $164,000, 500 ranking points
– **Runner-up**: $101,000, 325 ranking points
## Key Players
– **Iga Swiatek** (No. 2, Top Seed): Six-time Grand Slam champion, fresh off 2025 Wimbledon title.
– **Amanda Anisimova** (No. 4, Second Seed): US Open 2025 finalist, seeking redemption after Wimbledon loss to Swiatek.
– **Emma Raducanu** (No. 36, Wildcard): 2021 US Open champion, defending 108 quarter-final points from 2024.
– **Other Seeds**: Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 11), Clara Tauson (No. 12), Daria Kasatkina (No. 16), Diana Shnaider (No. 19), Veronika Kudermetova (No. 26), Beatriz Haddad Maia (No. 27, defending champion).
## Schedule
– **September 13–14**: Qualifying Rounds
– **September 15–16**: First Round
– **September 17–18**: Second Round
– **September 19**: Quarter-finals
– **September 20**: Semi-finals
– **September 21**: Singles and Doubles Finals
## Doubles Highlights
– **Top Seeds**: Asia Muhammad (USA) / Demi Schuurs (NED)
– **Other Notable Pairs**: Alexandra Panova (AUS) / Ellen Perez (AUS), Tereza Mihalíková (SVK) / Olivia Nicholls (GBR)
## Venue
The Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center, a 10,000-seat venue built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, offers a vibrant backdrop with hard courts favored by many WTA stars.
## Why It Matters
The Korea Open, part of the WTA’s Asian Swing, follows the US Open and precedes the WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan. With a strong field and significant ranking points at stake, it’s a critical opportunity for players like Swiatek to assert dominance, Anisimova to build momentum, and Raducanu to climb the rankings.
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