Busy young professionals turn to sport to boost social circles

"It was thrilling to see so many new faces and feel the energy of people connecting through tennis. Many of these guests later became loyal students," Qin said.

However, the hosting of social sports events meant it was harder for the club to maintain its commitment to professional tennis training.

"The events were a success in many ways, but as we expanded, we noticed that prioritizing socializing wasn't aligning with our core mission. Our most loyal members are those who value privacy and a focus on skills development," Qin said.

Now, Banks Tennis tries to balance social aspects of the sport with providing quality training and events. From specialized training workshops to discreet members-only gatherings, the club offers opportunities for players to network and bond — but always with an emphasis on the sport.

"We've learned that sports socializing doesn't have to mean losing sight of expertise as it's about creating meaningful interactions while staying true to what makes us unique," Qin said.

Lyu Jidong, professor of the Physical Education Department at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said sports activities have always played a key role in bringing people closer together and lifting their spirits, especially in today's fast-paced world where individuals are seeking new ways to connect socially.

"Under the banner of sports, we are adding more layers to social interaction and bringing more joy to people's lives. I believe this will become a more prominent part of everyday life in the future," Lyu said.