“China Open Fever” reflects the thriving tennis landscape

As National Day approaches, a wave of tennis enthusiasm is building with the start of the China Open 2024. Recognized as one of the most important and influential tennis events in Asia, the tournament is attracting growing crowds to Beijing, becoming a vibrant symbol of the sport in the region thanks to the increased scale of events, improved facilities and innovative cultural activities.

This year, the women’s singles draw has expanded to 96 players, including top stars from around the world. Notably, the participation of Chinese athletes reached record levels, led by Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen and 13 other Chinese athletes. In the men’s singles, Shang Juncheng and Zhang Zhizhen directly entered the main draw, while young talents Buyunchaokete and Zhou Yi received wild cards.

Zheng Qinwen waves to the crowd after winning the second-round women’s singles match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia during the China Open 2024 tennis tournament in Beijing, the capital of China, September 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

According to event organizers, approximately 39,000 people attended the venue on Saturday, bringing the total attendance since the tournament began to 108,000. The Diamond Court Club hosted over 18,000 fans throughout the day, achieving a remarkable occupancy rate of 95%, setting record single-day attendance at the China Open.

From its inception at the Guangcai Sports Center to its current location at the National Tennis Center, the facilities have been continually improved. The introduction of advanced technologies, including the “FlyingKitty” and Hawk-Eye cable camera system, greatly improved the viewer experience. A comprehensive upgrade of player and audience services has also been implemented, such as enlarged player areas and new outdoor warm-up areas, ensuring a comfortable environment for all.

The commercial value and impact on the China Open brand is also growing. China Open tournament director Zhang Junhui noted that this year’s sponsors have already reached their full capacity, which shows a strong lineup.

“The success we have achieved is the result of 20 years of development and the growing popularity of tennis in China, driven by the excellent performance of our athletes,” Zhang said. “While this is not the first time we have achieved full sponsorship support, the enthusiasm is palpable this year.”

In recent years, the appearance of Chinese players in Grand Slam tournaments has become the norm, with Zheng Qinwen becoming the first Asian athlete to win Olympic gold in the women’s singles. The men’s field is also growing rapidly, with Shang Juncheng winning his first ATP title at the Chengdu Open earlier this month.

“I think we are now seeing these Chinese players gain momentum as they inspire other younger players with confidence, knowing that they too can compete and win at the highest level in the sport. This is a real turning point for the sport of tennis in China and I look forward to seeing how well Chinese players perform at the China Open and Rolex Shanghai Masters,” said Alison Lee, ATP executive vice president for the international region.

The Chinese tennis landscape is booming with a new generation of players and numerous high-profile events such as the China Open and ATP Shanghai Masters. Deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, Chen Jie, highlighted the excitement generated by local talents, increasing public interest in tennis.

Every year, players enjoy exploring Beijing’s iconic landmarks and learning about traditional Chinese culture. This year’s players’ reception took place at the historic residence of Prince Gong and included cultural events that introduced the athletes to Chinese aesthetics.

The game’s stars, including Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, visited the Great Wall, while others toured the Forbidden City in traditional costumes, celebrating China’s rich heritage. Aryna Sabalenka, who often visits us, expressed her fondness for the country, recalling her experiences with sentiment.

Moreover, the newly designed players’ corridor at Diamond Court commemorates past champions and landmarks of Beijing, inspired by Grand Slam designs, ensuring that audiences around the world will be able to see these tributes during the event.

Bai Xilin, vice president and secretary general of the China Tennis Association, noted that the China Open provides a platform for international cultural exchange, illustrating China’s achievements in sports and culture through local events.

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