Definition
The Salonpas Cup was a professional women’s tennis tournament that formed part of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. It was held annually in São Paulo, Brazil, and was classified as a Tier III event during its operation.
Overview
The tournament debuted in 2001 and continued through the 2004 season, after which it was discontinued. Played on outdoor hard courts, the Salonpas Cup attracted mid‑ranking WTA players and served as a preparation event for the North American hard‑court swing leading up to the US Open. The competition featured both singles and doubles draws, with prize money and ranking points commensurate with its Tier III status. Notable champions include former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters (2002 singles champion) and the doubles team of Cara Black and Liezel Hernandez (2003 champions).
Etymology/Origin
The tournament’s title derived from its principal sponsor, Salonpas, a brand of topical analgesic patches and creams manufactured by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The sponsorship agreement provided naming rights, leading to the event being officially designated the “Salonpas Cup.”
Characteristics
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil, primarily at the Esporte Clube Pinheiros facility.
- Surface: Outdoor hard courts (DecoTurf).
- Tour Classification: WTA Tier III (2001–2004).
- Draw Size: Typically 32 players in the singles main draw, 16 pairs in the doubles draw, with qualifying rounds for singles.
- Prize Money: Approximately US $170,000 total purse per edition (varied slightly by year).
- Duration: Held in late February or early March each year, fitting within the early‑season South American swing of the WTA calendar.
- Broadcast: Matches were televised regionally in Brazil and streamed internationally through WTA media partners.
Related Topics
- WTA Tour: The global professional circuit for women’s tennis, governing events such as the Salonpas Cup.
- Brazilian Tennis Tournaments: Other professional events held in Brazil, including the Rio Open (ATP) and the Brasil Open (WTA, later years).
- Salonpas: The analgesic brand that sponsored the tournament, known for products such as medicated patches and creams.
- Hard‑Court Season: The segment of the tennis calendar featuring tournaments on hard surfaces, preceding the US Open series.
Note: The Salonpas Cup is no longer part of the WTA calendar, and no subsequent editions have been held since 2004.