Steffi Graf is coming to China.

The German legend has signed on as ambassador for the Nov 1-6 WTA Elite Trophy tournament at Hengqin International Tennis Center in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Steffi Graf

The event will feature 11 of the top ranked female singles players, along with one wild card and four of the top ranked doubles teams, along with two team wild cards.

"I am so pleased to be the ambassador for the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai," said Graf. "Such a prestigious event in the beautiful city of Zhuhai will go a long way towards supporting the expansion of women's tennis.

"I have had great reports from the players and through the press about last year's event, and I can't wait to visit and be a part of the tournament this year."

Graf, who retired in 1999, is regarded as one of the sport's all-time greatest players. Her 22 Grand Slam singles titles is a record for most major wins by a player (male or female) since the introduction of the Open Era in 1968.

In 1988, Graf became the only player (male or female) to achieve the Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year, and she is the only player (male or female) to have won each Grand Slam event at least four times.

Graf was the No 1 player in the WTA for a record 377 weeks - the longest run for any player since the WTA began issuing rankings.

"It's exciting to see Steffi as the official ambassador of the Elite Trophy," said Steve Simon, the WTA's CEO. "She was one of our greatest and most respected players, with so many players viewing her as their role model. Getting her endorsement is another solid testament to Zhuhai's prestigious status."

Tournament director Peter Johnston echoed Simon's sentiment, predicting Graf's involvement will provide a big boost for the event's international profile.

"As the Elite Trophy continues to grow and its global profile increases, it's another important milestone to have the endorsement of such a great champion," said Johnston.

"We look forward to working with Steffi in advance promotions and welcoming her during the event week."

Due to its special qualification rules, the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai is a competition that mixes established and rising stars.

In its 2015 debut, the event featured three former WTA World No 1 players in Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams, along with next generation players such of Karolina Pliskova, Madison Keys and China's Zheng Saisai.