LONDON — The men's professional tennis tour will stage an event in Africa for the first time next year as part of a new sponsorship deal with South African Airways worth $20 million.

"Several cities in South Africa have demonstrated a strong willingness to host the event and an announcement on the venue will be made shortly, subject to final ATP approval," the ATP said in a statement Friday.

The ATP said SAA would be the tour's official airline partner through 2012 and also sponsor several individual tournaments.

The ATP organizes 63 tournaments in 30 countries. Players and ATP staff will get special travel benefits with the airline.

"We are determined to ensure fans in as many countries in the world have the chance to see the stars of the ATP world tour up close and on court," said Brad Drewett, ATP's chief executive for international regions.