SINGAPORE - The BNP Paribas Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals got off to a bright start at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in an opening ceremony marked by a dazzling light display and live performances.

Hitting the ceremonial first serve was Li Na. The Chinese star, who won this year's Australian Open and the 2012 French Open, announced her retirement last month and remains a popular figure in the circuit.

The opening match pits world No.1 Serena Williams against world No. 8 Ana Ivanovic. Although 33 and the oldest player in this year's WTA Finals, Williams boasts the best record this season amonst the eight finalists, winning six titles this year, including the US Open.