WTA boss hopes Elite Trophy will stay in Zhuhai

The tournament's five-year run at the coastal city in southern China comes to an end in 2019, but WTA chief Steve Simon is hopeful a deal can be struck to extend it.

WTA chief Steve Simon speaks to the media in Singapore.

WTA chief Steve Simon said on Sunday he wants the Elite Trophy to stay in Zhuhai “for many years to come”.

The tournament's five-year run at the coastal city in southern China comes to an end in 2019, but Simon is hopeful a deal can be struck to extend it.

“Conversations have already begun and it's our desire to keep it here,” he said.

“I believe there is good support from the municipal government, as well as all the partners involved.

“We're very hopeful and we'd like to see this event continue here for many years to come.”

This year's Elite Trophy, which features 12 players ranked roughly from nine to 20, was won on Sunday by Australia's Ashleigh Barty who overcame China's Wang Qiang in straight sets.

Since it started four years ago, the tournament has fallen awkwardly the week after the WTA Finals, but from 2019 the more coveted competition will begin a 10-year run Shenzhen in China and the two will be swapped.

“We will be flipping the weeks next year, and I think it's the right thing to do,” Simon said.

“The final should be the last event of the year, and I think it'll actually help this event.”

Simon said although the WTA had been contacted by other destinations who want to host the Elite Trophy, Zhuhai will have first refusal, adding the city had invested heavily in the WTA and has “met every expectation and exceeded it”.

“We're going to explore that interest before I look anywhere else,” the WTA chief executive said. “They deserve that respect, and it's our desire to stay.”

China has invested heavily in tennis in recent years, building venues like Zhuhai and hosting more and more tournaments.

Two-time grand slam champion Li Na was the poster girl for Chinese women's tennis, but now the focus is on Wang, who broke into the top 20 for the first time following her performance in Zhuhai.

The 26-year-old has been on a spectacular run of form that saw saw her leapfrog Zhang Shuai to become China's top singles player.

“There's no question that Wang Qiang's performance here is going to help and inspire more and more young players. It's going to inspire more investment.

“There's a lot of really talented young junior Chinese players coming through the system. I think it's very exciting,” Simon said.