In an effort to enhance youth cultural exchanges through tennis, 36 athletes and coaches from 13 universities in China, the United States and Australia gathered to compete in Shanghai starting Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In an effort to enhance youth cultural exchanges through tennis, 36 athletes and coaches from 13 universities in China, the United States and Australia gathered to compete in Shanghai starting Friday.
The 2025 International University Tennis Friendship Invitational and Cultural Exchange Week, co-hosted by the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and Shanghai Juss Sports Development (Group) Co Ltd, attracted players from Yale University, Dartmouth College, Stevens Institute of Technology, Monash University and Adelaide University.
Through the universal language of sports, the event aimed to bridge global youth, build international friendships and foster bonds for better understanding and growth, said ECUST Vice President Zhao Liming.
After three days of competition, players from Monash University and ECUST scooped the men's and women's titles respectively, while a joint team between the two schools also won the mixed doubles title. A player from Furman University defended his men's singles title and ECUST's Chen Yiru claimed the women's singles.
In addition to sports engagements, the athletes also participated in scientific innovation workshops at ECUST, as well as city tours and museum visits around Shanghai.
“It feels incredibly great to compete with players from Chinese and Australian universities. Tennis is fun itself, and it is even more fun to make so many new friends during the week. What we gain from this trip is even more meaningful than playing tennis itself, and it is an unforgettable experience,” said Leon Liu from Williams College.
