The ATP’s season-ending Tennis Masters Cup will be renamed the ATP World Tour Final and shift from Shanghai to London in 2009. The world’ top singles players and doubles teams will compete in Britain for more than $4.5 million in prize money.

“The world’s best tennis players coming together in the unique and iconic setting of London’s O2 Arena to decide who will be crowned ATP World Tour Final champion, is simply an irresistible and potent mix,” said Etienne de Villiers, executive chairman of the ATP.

“London is the world’s most cosmopolitan city with a vibrancy and energy that makes it ideally suited to hosting this event. The ATP visits over 30 countries, so having our end of season finale in such a diverse city could not be more appropriate. With our joint promoters AEG’s expertise and the All England Club’s experience of running the Wimbledon Championships, I believe we have the perfect team in place to deliver a stunning event.”

The World Tour Final tournament will see a hard court sit in the center of the 20,000-seat state-of-the-art O2 Arena.

World No. 1 Roger Federer said: “I love coming to London for The Championships each summer, so I am delighted that the end of season championships will be moving to one of my favorite cities in the world. I’m sure it will be a spectacular event in what looks like a fantastic venue.”

Now in its eighth year, the Tennis Masters Cup currently brings together the eight best singles and doubles teams, based on their ATP ranking. In recognition of the importance of the Grand Slam tournaments, any current Grand Slam champion, not ranked in the top eight, is also invited to participate.

The Tennis Masters Cup is currently staged at Shanghai’s Qi Zhong Tennis Centre.