ATP chief debates whether to move Tour Finals

London: ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode on Friday revealed his organisation are debating whether to extend London`s hosting of their showpiece Tour Finals.

The O2 Arena in south-east London has hosted the prestigious season-ending event, featuring the world`s top eight male players, since 2009 when it left Shanghai.

But the current contract, which was extended by two years following an initial five-year spell, expires next year.

World number one Novak Djokovic this week suggested it would be a good idea to change to a new venue since London has had a good run as the host city.

Kermode confirmed there has been interest from four other regions and a decision is expected to be made by April next year.

There are several options, with a one-year extension to stay in London for 2016 that is built into the current contract probably the simplest.

The ATP could also decide to sign a new deal with London or move to a different venue for a multi-year stint from 2016.

The event has been a huge success, and a huge money spinner for both the ATP and the venue, with more than 250,000 fans attending every year and players unanimously positive.

New York, Houston, Sydney, Lisbon and Frankfurt are among the previous cities to stage the Finals.

"At the moment we`re looking at every single option," Kermode told a press conference at the O2 Arena.

"We`re here obviously in 2015. We do have a one-year option to stay in 2016, which we have to kick in by I think about March or April next year.

"It`s been hugely successful here, there`s no doubt about it. I think it shows the demand for tennis in the UK. The two sessions has worked, which people were severely questioning when we first started.

"But I also have due diligence to look at where the other options are, see what offers are on the table. I think it`s a testament to the strength of what we built up here that there is huge interest from four other regions.

"We`re currently in discussions and we`ll hopefully make that call around March, April next year."