Wuhan plays its aces to cash in on tennis fever

Courting fame

Over the past decade Wuhan Open has not only generated significant economic and social benefits for the city, but also established itself as a shining symbol of Wuhan's identity.

Wang Tao, general manager of the Wuhan Culture Tourism Group Sports Development Investment Co and co-tournament director of the tournament, said fans from across the country flocked to Wuhan this year to watch Zheng's matches. Forty-six percent of the spectators came from outside the city.

"The nationwide audience is not only a boost to the tournament's profile but also a substantial enhancement of Wuhan city's image," Wang said.

"Hubei holds a special place in Chinese tennis, producing champions like Li Na, Olympic gold medalist Li Ting, and now Zheng," he added.

"We have a strong coaching system, ample facilities, and our tournaments foster talent by training ball kids and volunteers, expanding tennis' reach among young people."

Wang has also witnessed the steady development of Wuhan's youth tennis coaching system, the growth of training institutions, and an increase in both professional and amateur competitions.

Wuhan has developed a "pyramid" model to cultivate tennis talent. Since 2015, the city has piloted a "Tennis in Schools" program in 42 primary and secondary schools, and tennis skills training is now part of the city's youth sports summer camps. By 2023, nearly 13,000 young people had received free tennis lessons.

In 2013, Wuhan established a tennis training base at its sports academy, attracting top talent from across the country to develop elite players. Today, Wuhan boasts over 2,300 tennis courts, more than 100 schools offering tennis programs, and 270 registered young tennis players.