CHINA OPEN EYEING AN UPGRADE

Men's tournament seeks to join exclusive 1000 Masters series

The China Open is hoping to upgrade its men's tournament into an ATP Masters event as it strives to enhance its profile after 15 years on the tour.

Already one of four top-tier Premier Mandatory events on the women's tour, the men's ATP 500 tournament in Beijing now has its sights set on becoming a 1000 Masters event, co-tournament director Thomas Ross revealed in an exclusive interview with China Daily at the National Tennis Center on Monday.