The new Qi Zhong Center Court Stadium, site of the Tennis Masters Cup from 2005-2007, was opened in Shanghai yesterday with world number one Roger Federer, Cup organizers and Shanghai government officials at scene.

"I am very honoured to be here today to see it opened to the world and I am very much looking forward to playing here in November. I know there will be some great tennis matches played here during the Tennis Masters Cup." said Federe, two-time defending Tennis Masters Cup champion.

The 15,000-seat stadium features a unique eight-piece roof that resembles a magnolia flower blooming when opening. The roof takes eight minutes to open or close.

With just over one month remaining before the start of the Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai from November 13-20, only Federer, Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Australian Open champion Marat Safin have qualified for the year-end finale.