London faces competition from four cities, including Manchester, to hold on to the lucrative ATP Finals when the current deal ends in 2020.
The O2 has hosted the event since 2009 but must beat off challenges from Singapore, Tokyo, Turin and Manchester.
More than 40 cities registered interest in hosting the event but the ATP this morning narrowed it down to a five-city shortlist, with London still a frontrunner to hold the end-of-season finale to the men’s tour.
ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode said: “There’s no question that London has set a very high benchmark and, with the final shortlist announced today, we believe we will be well placed to determine the next chapter of a tournament that has come to represent the absolute pinnacle in men’s professional tennis.”
The presence of Tokyo, which hosted the event’s debut in 1970, on the list makes sense, with current event sponsor Nitto having its headquarters in the Japanese capital.
But the tour’s leading players are keen on a European base for the event, coming as it does on the calendar so soon after a leg of tournaments on the continent.
An official decision will be made in March, with the contract awarded for four years from 2021.
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