The ATP Tour plans to "exercise a one-year option in its existing contract" to keep the ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 Arena through at least '16, but the organization is "still aiming for a multi-year deal in London or elsewhere," according to sources cited by Douglas Robson of USA TODAY. The current five-year deal for the season-ending event ends in '15. The ATP wants a long-term deal, and the "door remains open for deep-pocketed bidders to sweep in and lock one up." However, the tournament "could stay in another two to three years in London, too." The "strongest outside interest comes from two areas: the oil-rich Gulf region and economic powerhouse China, with cities like Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Beijing in the running." The event was played in Shanghai from '05-09 before moving to London. N.Y. is "among the short-list of possible venues," but former event host MSG "isn't considered a leading option." Instead, Barclays Center is a "more likely candidate." Sponsorship and ticket sales "have been strong" in London, with the tourney "drawing more than 260,000 fans the last two years." The players "praise the packed O2 Arena: the behind-the-scenes amenities; the electric atmosphere; and the proximity to indoor events just concluded in Europe" (USATODAY.com, 11/13).
