If that's the case then a lot of the credit can go to the Sichuan native, who last year became the first Chinese to beat a world number one, and the first to reach the semi-finals of a grand slam, when she tore through the draw at Wimbledon.

'After Wimbledon I came back and everyone was saying congratulations - I was just so happy,' recalled Zheng, who only made into that event after organisers gave her a wild card. 'That semi-final [where she lost to Serena Williams] gave me more confidence and more belief that I can play the best players in the world and I can get better and better.

'The most important thing I feel is I need more fitness because the Asian players, we are so small. I need to get stronger and more powerful so I am working so hard on my fitness.'

Zheng, the highest ranked Chinese player at number 24 in the world, will captain an Asia Pacific team that also features India's Sania Mirza and Hong Kong's Zhang Ling. And they will be facing some of the best players around, including world number one Jelena Jankovic (Team Europe), grand slam queen Venus Williams (Team Americas) and world number seven Vera Zvonareva (Team Russia).

The new-look layout of the event sees the four teams of three players face off in a round-robin style format, and the diminutive Chinese player said the event should help her bid to break into the top 10: 'I feel I can make a breakthrough in singles this year.'

Jankovic, meanwhile, revealed a punishing training regime at a pre-season camp in the high altitudes of Mexico had her feeling better than ever. And, coming off a season where she won an equal tour-best of 65 matches, that sounds an ominous warning to this week's field.

'I've never been as fit as I am now,' said the 23-year-old. 'I have never worked so hard in the off-season - from the middle of November and all of December. Some of the things I have done I never thought I could do.

'One day I ran 10km and in my life I've never run that far. I have never paid so much attention to being fit. Many people thought I was very fit because I look fit but in general I was never really fit and I've had problems with injuries.'

Jankovic is hoping her new-found physique will not only help her hold on to the number one spot - but also help the Serbian break her grand slam drought. Last season she came close - losing in the US Open final to Serena Williams, and making the semis at the French and Australian Opens.

This time she says she has what it takes physically - and mentally. 'It gives me a lot more confidence,' she said. 'I still have a lot of room for improvement but I think I'm on the right track. The most important thing for me is I am more committed.'

The action at Victoria Park started last night with exhibition matches between the 'Stars of Tomorrow', but the main event begins tomorrow when Team Russia and Team Asia Pacific meet in two singles matches, and Team Americas and Team Europe clash in the doubles.