In revealing its 2006 schedule, the Tour, sponsored by Sony Ericsson, confirmed new events in both regions, the return of the Tour Championships to Europe – with a trip to Madrid - and a boost in total prize money.
The new events will be staged in Bangalore, India in February and Tel Aviv, Israel in October. It follows moves to infiltrate the China and other Asian markets this year.
Prize money will leap by $1m – now breaking the $60m for the first time over the course of the season.
Says WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott: “This schedule reflects the continued global expansion of and investment in women’s professional tennis.
“The return of the Tour Championships to Europe in Madrid is particularly exciting for our European fans and players, and will ensure a fantastic finale to the 2006 season.”
The 2006 season kicks off in January with the Uncle Toby’s Hardcourts in Gold Coast, Australia and the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, and concludes with the WTA Tour Championships in Madrid in November.
