On June 15th, the “Sino-French Cultural Exchange – Tennis Clay Court Exchange Match” and a fashionable wine reception took place at the Red Court Garden of the National Tennis Center in Beijing. Four tennis teams and guests used the sport of tennis as a medium, engaging in cultural exchanges and fashionable events to fully experience the allure of clay court tennis.
The participating teams in this clay court exchange match included KOT Tennis Team, Friendship Tennis Team, China Open Fashion Celebrities & Stars Tennis Team, and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China. Among the attendees were officials from the French Embassy in China, SÉBASTIEN, Secretary General of the Beijing China Open Sports Promotions Co., Ltd. and Deputy General Manager Xiao Yuxin, Mr. Li Yubin, Chairman of the Sino-French Tennis Fashion Carnival Organizing Committee, Mr. Han Deceng, Vice President of Main Business Operations of the Fashion Group, Ms. Chen Wei from Beijing Zhiqi Sports Culture Development Co., Ltd., Mr. Luo Weichao from Shanghai Lehe Marketing Planning Co., Ltd., artist Ms. Li Xiaoling, young pianist Zhang Haotian, Mr. Zhu Junyi from Guangzhou Sunrise Longgu Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd., as well as numerous Chinese and foreign guests.
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between China and France. The exchange of culture through tennis has significantly contributed to mutual understanding between the two nations. Xiao Yuxin stated, “This year is the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, and June 15th also marks 100 days until the 2024 China Open. We look forward to offering a wider variety of tennis content and activities to showcase the boundless charm of the sport.”
Clay courts are renowned for their distinctive red soil and slower ball speed. The surface slows down the ball and produces higher bounces, requiring players to possess superior physical fitness, endurance, and adaptability. This clay court tennis exchange match was not just a competitive event but also a platform for fostering cultural exchange and friendship. Richard, representing the French Businessmen’s Tennis Team, expressed, “I love the clay courts at the National Tennis Center; Beijing is a city with a strong sports atmosphere. I’m very passionate about tennis and hope for more opportunities to participate in such events in the future.”
The “2024 Sino-French Tennis Fashion Carnival – Clay Court Tennis Exchange Tournament” in Beijing provided a stage for competitors to showcase their skills while also offering tennis enthusiasts an opportunity for exchange and friendship building. Participants experienced the authentic clay court ambiance, enhancing their competitive level and promoting the popularity and development of clay court tennis.
In addition to playing on the clay courts, guests also visited the “Tennis Moves Sino-French” cultural exhibition on the first floor of the comprehensive service building at the National Tennis Center, further appreciating the role of tennis in fostering cultural exchanges between the two countries. In the future, with more clay court tennis competitions and experiences, this sport will undoubtedly continue to bring joy and enrichment to many.
