Former world No 1 says shifting WTA showcase to China 'logical'

Citing Shenzhen's successful bid to host the WTA Finals, Novak Djokovic is applauding the expansion of women's tennis in China - and suggests the men's game needs to explore new markets as well.

While taking care of business at the Australian Open, former men's world No 1 and 12 - time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has taken notice of the sport's new dynamic in China which, starting next year, will see southern city Shenzhen host the WTA Finals through 2028.

"China obviously has exploited a lot the WTA calendar ... they have great facilities and they love tennis," Djokovic said after his second - round victory over Gael Monfils on Thursday.

A six - time champion at the Open, Djokovic will next face Ramos Vinolas of Spain in the third round on Saturday as he bids for a deep run at his first major tournament since a hiatus in 2017, brought on by a nagging elbow injury.

The WTA announced on Thursday that Shenzhen-based real estate developer Gemdale Corporation had won the bid to bring the annual season - ending tournament to the metropolis in Guangdong province, starting next year.

For the past five years, the tournament has been held in Singapore.

Shenzhen will offer record prize money of $14 million, double the previous amount, for the top eight singles players and doubles pairs competing in the round - robin format.

The lucrative purse in Shenzhen eclipses the $8 million up for grabs at the men's year - end tournament, which has been held in London since 2009.

Djokovic, president of the ATP Tour player council, said it's a fair payout, given the popularity of the female game in China.

"I don't think we should compare them. The women fight for what they deserve. That's completely fine. I respect that," said the current world No 14.

"I think, just observing the whole situation, it is logical to invest a lot of money to bring the best players there. A lot of Chinese female players are breaking in to the top 100 in the world, after Li Na opened those doors. Women's tennis is more popular than men's in China because of the success they've had with Li and other female players."

Inspired by Li's Grand Slam wins at the 2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open, women's tennis is surging into the sports mainstream in China. Seven tournaments, including the Premier 5 Wuhan Open and Premier Mandatory China Open, will be held on the mainland this year.

Having won the Shanghai Masters, the biggest ATP event in China, three times and the China Open in Beijing six times, Djokovic is a popular star here, with fans mobbing him everywhere he plays in the country, which now hosts four events on the ATP Tour.

A four - time winner of the ATP Finals between 2012 - 15, Djokovic heaped praise on organizers of the London tournament, but suggested maybe it's time to move the elite event.

"In my opinion, this event should travel, because it's the biggest leverage that we have. If we want to grow our sport, especially in regions like China or those parts of the world where tennis is popular, I think we should think about it," he said.