Wuhan plays its aces to cash in on tennis fever

Inspiring youngsters

No 2 Primary School of Wuhan Optics Valley has embraced tennis for over six years, growing alongside the Wuhan Open, which takes place nearby at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center.

Deputy principal Zhang Yongming recalls the school's modest beginnings, when lessons were conducted on the playground with portable nets due to a lack of proper courts.

Today, the school boasts two regulation courts, two smaller ones for tennis instruction, and a dedicated team of three full-time tennis instructors. Every year, hundreds of students sign up for tennis classes, which are in high demand.

"The Wuhan Open, held right here in our district, has energized the entire local tennis scene," said Zhang.

Tennis instructor Yu Xiaoguang said the school provides introductory classes for all students, and selects those who exhibit a greater passion for tennis to participate in daily morning training sessions aimed at advancing their skills.

Yu sees tennis as a sport that fosters children's development, enhancing physical fitness, strength, character, and decision-making skills. "During matches, kids learn patience and how to problem-solve. But the true benefits of tennis only reveal themselves through long-term commitment," he said.

On Oct 10, during the Wuhan Open, United States tennis player Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Australia's Ellen Perez, the second-seeded women's doubles pair, visited the school. The visit fell on Perez's birthday, and the students celebrated warmly with her.

The duo joined the school's tennis students for a practice session. Zhang Xiyu, an 11-year-old who has been playing for over three years and was recently a runner-up in the girls' doubles at the Wuhan Youth Games, was the first to step on the court.

"This was my first time playing with world-class players. I was nervous at first, but later I relaxed. Melichar was really strong, but she smiled the whole time and was so friendly. I had so much fun," she said.

Xiyu watched every one of Zheng's matches at the Wuhan Open, to learn from the professional players. "After watching them play, I felt like a pro myself when I hit the court," she said.

Melichar was surprised the school offered tennis lessons. "At home, we didn't have tennis in school. I had to find coaches or train at clubs, often playing with my family," she said.

Yu, the school's tennis coach, noted the students were more excited and focused after meeting the players. "Seeing top athletes live is inspiring, but training with them in person is something special. It motivates them to dream of becoming professionals," Yu said.