China’s Shenzhen to host WTA Finals till 2028

The WTA issued a statement Thursday saying real estate developer Gemdale Corporation submitted the winning bid and will build a 12,000-seat stadium. It will also provide prize money of $14 million for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams, double the previous purse.

Romania's Simona Halep makes a backhand return to Australia's Destanee Aiava during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 16, 2018. [Photo: AP/Vincent Thian]

The city already hosts the Shenzhen Open in early January, one of the tune-up tournaments for the Australian Open. Top-ranked Simona Halep won the title there two weeks ago.

The 2018 WTA Finals are scheduled for Singapore in October.