Elena Rybakina lifts the trophy after winning the Ningbo Open. [Photo/Tide News] 

The world's top-ranked player and defending champion Elena Rybakina and six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek headline the entry list for next month's Ningbo Open, organizers announced on Sept 23.

The WTA 500 tournament will return to the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center, with qualifying beginning Oct 17 and the main draw running from Oct 19 to 25. 

Rybakina returns after winning the Ningbo title last year, while Swiatek is set to make her tournament debut. Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, and Marta Kostyuk are also on the announced entry list, bringing the field to five players ranked among the world's top 10 as of Sept 22.

Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, rising players Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic, and China's Wang Xinyu are also among the names announced.

The tournament comes during the final stretch of the season leading up to the WTA Finals.

Fans will also enjoy venue upgrades, including a retractable roof and air conditioning at center court, as well as a new 1,200-seat outdoor show court.

Tennis will continue in Ningbo after the WTA event, with an ATP Challenger tournament scheduled at the same venue from Oct 26 to Nov 1.