The upcoming 2016 Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open would highlight China's strong roster of tennis players after Zhang Shuai and Peng Shuai were both granted wildcard spots into the strong 56-player main draw.

Three other local players--Zhang Kailin, Wang Yafan, and Duan Yingying--have all been given slots in the wildcards list.

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According to China Daily, granting wildcards to home players is customary at WTA Tournaments.

The Optics Valley International Tennis Center will be the playing ground of the tournament, which will run from September 23 to October 1.

The WTA Premier 5 hard surface event has attracted some of the biggest names in the world of tennis including Angelique Kerber, Venus Williams, and Petra Kvitova.

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark received the wildcard only available to WTA Top 20 players, while former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki of Germany was the only other international player given a wildcard.

More than 5,000 applicants from 12 provinces and municipalities across China applied to be volunteers at the major international sporting event. Over 800 college students were chosen and will obtain invaluable work experience at the event.

Wuhan is Chinese tennis legend Li Na's home town. Li made tennis history by winning two Grand Slam singles titles at Roland Garros (2011) and the Australian Open (2014) before retiring from the competitive sport in September 2014. She is now the global ambassador for the Wuhan Open. 

Tagswuhan open 2016, li na, Angelique Kerber, serena williams, Zhang Shuai, wta rankings