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FIVE TOP 50 PRESENT IN THE ENTRY LIST

THE PARMA LADIES OPEN PRESENTED BY IREN IS BACK

MAYAR SHERIF RETURNS TO DEFEND HER TITLE

 

Parma, April 17, 2026 – One year after Egypt’s Mayar Sherif won the title, the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren is ready to reignite. From May 11 to 16, 2026, the WTA 125 tournament, organized by MEF Tennis Events—once again presented by Title Sponsor Iren, with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipality of Parma—will return to the clay courts of the Parma Tennis Club for a sixth edition that promises to be a top-notch event. Scheduled during the second week of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the Emilian event will bring together some of the best players on the WTA circuit. Leading the entry list, which includes twenty-one top-100 players in the world rankings, are China’s Xinyu Wang, fresh from the round of 16 at the Australian Open, and American Ann Li, whose trophy cabinet includes two major tournaments, including the 2021 Tenerife Ladies Open. Also notable are Philippine Alexandra Eala and American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Grand Slam champion and former world number four. The press conference is scheduled for May 5th at 11:30 a.m. in the Sala di Rappresentanza of the Municipal Residence at Strada Repubblica, 1 Parma, in the presence of Mayor Michele Guerra, Councilor Marco Bosi, as well as representatives of the Emilia-Romagna Region, FITP Emilia-Romagna, CONI, Tennis Club Parma, and MEF Tennis Events.

The Top 50 group – Five of the Top 100 players registered in Parma are among the top 50 in the world. Leading the entry list for the 2026 edition is China’s Xinyu Wang, ranked number 32 in the WTA. The Asian player, who finished among the top sixteen at the last Australian Open, is poised to play a major role, flanked by many other promising young players, starting with American Ann Li. The 2000-born player from King of Prussia has been consistently at the top of the WTA rankings and five years ago achieved her first major tour success in Tenerife, at the tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events, defeating Colombia’s Camila Osorio, another star arriving in Emilia, in the final. The strong American field, composed of five players, will also include Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin—winner of the 2020 Australian Open and a finalist a few months later at Roland Garros—and Taylor Townsend, considered one of the best doubles players of her generation, a five-time Grand Slam finalist, and a former number one in the doubles rankings. A player who calls Parma her second home will also be present: Mayar Sherif. The 29-year-old Egyptian won the last of her eight WTA 125 titles last year in Emilia-Romagna, defeating Victoria Mboko in the final, who had climbed into the Top 10 within a few months. It was also here that in 2022 she celebrated her first WTA 250 title, defeating then-Top 10 Maria Sakkari in the final.

The support of a new partner – UniCredit Allianz Assicurazioni joins the sixth edition of the Parma Ladies Open as Main Partner. This new partnership underscores UniCredit Allianz Assicurazioni’s commitment to supporting prestigious events and nurturing talent and sporting values. “We are proud to support the Parma Ladies Open as Main Partner. We believe that women’s sport deserves attention and concrete investment to thrive at the highest levels, and this tournament is a shining example: a landmark event that offers athletes—both established and emerging talents—a platform to test themselves and grow in their sporting careers. It’s a context where performance and determination count, but also human values ​​and equal opportunities: principles we deeply hold dear and that guided us in launching this new partnership,” said Paolo Novati, General Manager of UniCredit Allianz Assicurazioni.

Bosi and Alinovi commented – “The sixth edition of the Parma Ladies Open confirms how this tournament has become a well-established and iconic event for our city,” said Marco Bosi, Councilor for Sport for the City of Parma. “Over the years, Parma has hosted great champions and young talents destined to make their mark on world tennis. Women’s tennis has always found a knowledgeable and passionate audience here, and with this new edition scheduled for May 11th to 16th, we renew our commitment to further developing an event that combines sport, quality organization, and promotion of the local area.” The usual good wishes from the President of the Parma Tennis Club, Giampiero Alinovi, were also expressed: “This year, we are once again pleased to host the Parma Ladies Open, a major event that will bring some of the world’s top tennis players to our courts, along with a few surprises that we hope will stand out. This tournament is part of a long-standing tradition that sees our club as a leader in organizing top-level tennis events, and we are delighted to welcome the athletes and all the fans who wish to enjoy a high-quality sporting spectacle. As always, we must express our gratitude to the institutions that support us, particularly the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipality of Parma, as well as to MEF Tennis Events for their continued collaboration, in addition to the sponsors and our members who contribute significantly to the event.”

The importance of benchmarks: the words of Councilor Frisoni – “The Parma Ladies Open confirms its position as a key event in the international tennis scene and one of the events that strengthens the Emilia-Romagna sports system,” said Councilor for Tourism, Commerce, and Sport Roberta Frisoni. “This is a tournament that over the years has brought some of the best players on the world circuit to Parma and continues to stand out for its technical prowess and quality of participation, consolidating the city’s presence on the international sports calendar. Support for women’s sport also begins here: the opportunity to compete in high-level competitions and to promote women’s sports competitions. Seeing athletes competing at the highest levels up close offers girls and young athletes a concrete, not abstract, benchmark on which to build expectations and ambitions. At the same time, events like this contribute to building a stable presence of quality events over time, combining sport, participation, attractiveness, and the promotion of our region. This is also how a system is strengthened: by providing continuity, recognition, and content to events, and by allowing cities like Parma and Emilia-Romagna to consolidate their role in the national and international sports landscape.

Ticket office now open on the official website – The ticket office is now open on the official website, www.parmaladiesopen.com. A 20% discount is available on all tickets and season tickets purchased on www.ticketmaster.it until April 30th. For press accreditation requests, please email credentials@meftennisevents.com.

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PARMA LADIES OPEN PRESENTED BY IREN REVEALED

BOSI: “THE CITY IS WAITING FOR THE TOURNAMENT WITH FERMENT”

MARCHESINI ANNOUNCES THE OCCHIO DI FALCO LIVE

Parma, May 6, 2025 – A special edition to celebrate the first 5 years of the history of the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren. Among the tennis promises and the champions expected at the Tennis Club Parma, together with the collateral events organized by MEF Tennis Events, the action of the Emilian WTA 125 promises to be intense on and off the court. The lineup of players who will fight for the title from May 12 to 17 is more interesting than ever, with 18 Top 100 players at the starting line, including WTA number 29 Yulia Putintseva and the 2005-born Philippine Alexandra Eala. Essential, as every year, is the support of the title sponsor Iren, in addition to that of the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipality of Parma, which work closely with the organization to ensure excellence also in 2025, and that of all the partners, including the main ones, Parmalat, G.I.Ma., Lacertosus, Opem and Imeta. The presentation press conference was attended by the Councilor for Budget and Sport of the Municipality of Parma, Marco Bosi; the Board Member of Iren, Giacomo Malmesi; the Councilor for Tourism, Commerce and Sport of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Roberta Frisoni (with remote intervention); the coordinator of sports policies of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Giammaria Manghi; Simone Alberici, member of the Regional Council of CONI and regional president of the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti of the FIGC; the president of the Tennis Club Parma, Giampiero Alinovi; the president of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Committee of the FITP, Gilberto Fantini; the president of MEF Tennis Events, Marcello Marchesini.

The joy of the Councilor for Budget and Sport, Marco Bosi – “The joint work with MEF Tennis Events has created not only a tradition but also an expectation for this event – ​​explained Marco Bosi, Councilor for Budget and Sport of the Municipality of Parma –. For several years there has not been a tournament of this magnitude here, capable of involving fans and citizens in this way. The efforts of all parties involved have created a virtuous circle that is good for everyone, and my hope is that we can continue to organize this competition for many years. We hope to witness an extraordinary fifth edition, hoping to also be able to cheer on the Italian tennis players who will be present”. Bosi emphasized the importance of Iren, also in 2025 title sponsor of the tournament, as well as of the Tennis Club Parma: “The support of private investors is fundamental for an event like this. Without Iren, which believes a lot in the project, perhaps we would not be here to celebrate the start of the fifth edition of the Parma Ladies Open. To them, as well as to the Mariano club which is a simply wonderful place and much loved by the citizens, goes a big ‘thank you'”.

Iren still alongside the tournament – ​​“Iren confirms its participation as title sponsor in the fifth edition of the Parma Ladies Open, scheduled at the Parma Tennis Club – said Giacomo Malmesi, Iren Board Member – The partnership underlines Iren’s desire to provide concrete support to an event of great importance, which brings together international-level athletes. Iren also supports the “Tennis Al Centro” initiative, the project that aims to bring the Parma Ladies Open and tennis in general to the streets of the historic center of Parma, involving commercial activities in setting up tennis-themed shop windows. Iren’s commitment also translates into a collaboration that aims to make the event increasingly sustainable and plastic free: Iren, in fact, will set up some water points inside the Parma Tennis Club, accessible to all, and water bottles will be distributed to staff, judges, athletes and spectators”.

The greeting of the Councilor for Tourism, Commerce and Sport, Roberta Frisoni – During the press conference, the Councilor for Tourism, Commerce and Sport of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Roberta Frisoni, spoke with a remote greeting to those present: “We are really happy that the Emilia-Romagna Region can once again host a competition with some of the best players in the world. We expect a city in turmoil to watch many beautiful matches and celebrate the hard work that brought us to the fifth edition of the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren in 2025. As always, it is right to thank all those who collaborated in every part of the organization; we are ready to celebrate this week”.

President Alinovi’s invitation to the Parma Tennis Club – “First of all, it is important to point out that we would never have been able to organize anything without the collaboration of all the parties involved present here today – began his speech by the president of the Parma Tennis Club, Giampiero Alinovi –. I thought that after 5 seasons the emotion would fade, but I notice that it is always like the first time. In recent years, regional tennis has grown exponentially, with numerous high-level activities, which makes us truly proud. As a structure, we can only be happy to make ourselves available to be the home of the WTA 125 of Parma, but I reiterate that it is everyone’s contribution that makes this tournament possible. All that remains for me to do is invite you all to the Parma Tennis Club to watch many beautiful matches and continue to promote the sport”.

Giammaria Manghi: “The Emilia-Romagna Region is useful to the tennis movement – ​​“The Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren is a very important event for us – explained the coordinator of sports policies of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Giammaria Manghi –. It must be said that Parma has always been and continues to be a city of sports, as demonstrated by the many high-level events. The synergy between the region and the Municipality of Parma is solid, and we are happy to collaborate constantly to promote the values ​​of sport as well as the beauty of our territory. For years we have also been working with MEF Tennis Events from every point of view to bring a tournament of this level to the public, and I must say that the Tennis Club Parma facility is absolutely up to the task of an event of this magnitude. It is impossible not to mention the support of Iren, a reality that goes well beyond the corporate mission and fully supports initiatives of this type; their contribution makes the difference. I am convinced that the efforts we are making, combined with the investments of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, have contributed to making the national tennis movement increasingly flourishing year after year”.

Marchesini announces the Foxtenn Real Bounce – “I can only join in the thanks of the other speakers, who have all actively participated in helping us in the realization of the tournament – ​​concluded the president of MEF Tennis Events, Marcello Marchesini –. I underline the importance of the contribution of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, as well as that of Iren which, as a private investor, is demonstrating year after year that it believes in the project and gives us the incentive to commit ourselves even more. This year we also have the novelty of the “Tennis al Centro” initiative and the setting up of two mini courts, in collaboration with the FITP, on Saturday 10 May in Piazza Garibaldi. These are opportunities to bring the city even closer to tennis, small additions parallel to the event to promote the discipline and make it accessible to everyone”. Marchesini then announced another big innovation, linked to the hawk eye. Thanks to the use of Foxtenn Real Bounce, the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren will be the first WTA 125 tournament in Italy to use the new technology for the real-time judgment of dubious calls: “We know well that the use of line judges is gradually being replaced by technology and we are adapting, with a series of agreements, to these new methods that we hope to be able to experiment with in other tournaments branded MEF Tennis Events. We have worked hard to be here, now we can’t wait to enjoy the show while waiting for the wild cards, remembering that this year the WTA will reward the event for having reached its first 5 years of history”.

The “Tennis al Centro” project – In addition to the initiative involving the windows of the historic center, on Saturday 10 May, from 11:00 to 19:00, two mini-tennis courts will be set up in Piazza Garibaldi, accessible and usable by everyone. During the afternoon, the tennis schools of the area will be present to spend some time between games and meetings with the players of the tournament.

The ticket office is open on the official website – The ticket office is open on the official website, www.parmaladiesopen.com. For press accreditation requests, you can send an e-mail to credentials@meftennisevents.com.

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PARMA LADIES OPEN PRESENTED BY IREN, READY TO GO

PARMA LADIES OPEN PRESENTED BY IREN, READY TO START

THE FIFTH EDITION

18 TOP 100 IN MAIN DRAW, THERE IS ALEXANDRA EALA

LUCIA BRONZETTI IS THE ITALIAN READY TO AMAZE

 

Parma, 16 April 2025 – The wait for the fifth edition of the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren is almost over. From 12 to 17 May 2025, the courts of the Tennis Club Parma will once again see a very high level of tennis. The Emilian WTA 125 organized by MEF Tennis Events, presented again this year by the Title Sponsor Iren and supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Municipality of Parma, has confirmed its position on the calendar of last season, and this year too the tournament will take place in parallel with the second week of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. There is no shortage of important names that will be part of the event, with an entry list of 18 Top 100 led by number 23 WTA Yulia Putintseva. One to keep an eye on especially is Alexandra Eala, a tennis player born in 2005 who only a few weeks ago was able to reach the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Miami. Italy will be able to count on the participation of Lucia Bronzetti, who returns to Emilia-Romagna after last year, as well as the Australian, former number 32 in the world, Ajla Tomljanovic. The presentation press conference is scheduled for Tuesday 6 May at 11:30 in the Sala di Rappresentanza of the Municipal Residence in Strada Repubblica, 1 Parma, in the presence of the mayor Michele Guerra, the councilor Marco Bosi, as well as representatives of the Emilia-Romagna Region, FITP Emilia-Romagna, CONI, Tennis Club Parma and MEF tennis events.

The entry list, between familiar faces and surprises – The entry list of the 2025 edition is led by the number 23 WTA tennis player, Yulia Putintseva. The Kazakh is only the first of 18 Top 100, a number that suggests a week with a high technical level. Italy will be represented by Lucia Bronzetti, currently number 58 in the world and with the aim of taking an important satisfaction in her country, but that’s not all. Among the tennis players to keep an eye on is the Filipino Alexandra Eala: born in 2005, the very young athlete had already shown herself among the Juniors, climbing the ranking to number 2 in the world and lifting the US Open trophy in 2022. Today she is doing well among the professionals with excellent results, the latest in order of time being the semifinal at the WTA 1000 in Miami, a satisfaction that allows her to find herself at number 72 in the world ranking. Closing out a rich package of protagonists is also the American Alycia Parks, already present in Parma last year, as well as Ajla Tomljanovic: the curriculum speaks for the Australian, capable of reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2021, and then repeating herself the following year by returning to the top 8 both in London and at the US Open.

Tathiana Garbin’s greeting – “There are tournaments that go beyond rankings and scores, and the Parma Ladies Open is one of them”. Music and words of the captain of the Italian National Team, reigning champion in the Billie Jean King Cup, Tathiana Garbin, who has a deep affection for the MEF Tennis Events event: “It is a tournament that speaks to the heart of Italian tennis, which has given and continues to give space and value to our girls: to those who dream, who train hard, who fight every day to build a career. It is a concrete opportunity, because it allows our athletes to compete with strong, high-level players, in a competitive but familiar context. All this happens in front of our fans, with that special push that only Italy can give. Parma was, and is, a springboard: the place where you can grow, test yourself, make mistakes, learn, start again. It is a precious space for our movement, an environment that supports, values ​​and accompanies our players in a crucial phase of their journey. I say this as a captain, but also with the heart of someone who has been there, on that journey made of sacrifices and dreams, and knows what it means to be able to count on a real chance, or never find it. Tournaments like Parma really make the difference, because they are places where something authentic can be born. And I am certain that new stories, new hopes, new protagonists of our tennis will continue to start from here”.

The words of Bosi and Alinovi – “The fifth edition of the Parma Ladies Open confirms how this event is becoming a fixed point for our city – said Marco Bosi, Councilor for Sport of the Municipality of Parma –. In the past we have had the thrill of hosting icons like Serena Williams and young promises who are now shining at a world level, like Coco Gauff. Women’s tennis has always found great welcome and passion in Parma, and after the first four editions there is a desire to do even better”. The President of the Tennis Club Parma, Giampiero Alinovi, also expressed his best wishes: “This year too, we are proud to host the Parma Ladies Open, a prestigious event that will bring some of the best international tennis players to our courts, along with a few surprises that we hope will prove interesting. This event is part of a long tradition that has seen our club as a protagonist with top-level tennis events, and we are happy to welcome the athletes and all those who want to attend a high-quality sporting spectacle. As always, we must thank the institutions that support us, in particular the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Municipality of Parma, as well as MEF Tennis Events for its constant collaboration, in addition to the sponsors and our members who make the event possible”.

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