WTA tapping China potential

The WTA's heavy schedule of China events is a point of contention in some quarters, but the boss of women's tennis says it's a sign of the nation's growing presence on the sport's global stage.

Women's Tennis Association CEO Steve Simon, who is overseeing this week's year-end tournament in Zhuhai, insists that the increasing number of tournaments in China signifies the country's commitment to grow the sport and its untapped market potential.

"No, I don't think it hurts at all," Simon said on Wednesday when asked whether the busy Chinese schedule posed an issue.