Gu Jin (R)/Zhao Zhao in action during the men's doubles first round match against Manuel Monyota Zuluaga/Alejandro Moncada Marin at the 31st FISU World University Games in Chengdu, July 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
Twice doubles Grand Slam champion Yan Zi spoke highly of the Chengdu Universiade, held in her hometown, and expressed her confidence in a bright future for Chinese tennis.
CHENGDU, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Retired Chinese tennis player Yan Zi expressed her admiration for the level of the Chengdu Universiade and confidence in the future of Chinese tennis during her visit to the Sichuan Chuantou International Tennis Center on Tuesday.
The Chengdu native was elated to see her hometown host the prestigious event and praised the rapid transformation taking place in the city.
"The Chengdu Universiade has been incredibly successful so far," Yan remarked. "Tickets are in high demand, and the stadiums are packed for each event."
Yan and her partner Zheng Jie had a stellar playing career, securing women's doubles victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, along with a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
After watching the women's doubles second-round match featuring Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu, Yan praised the skills of the Chinese duo.
"They are talented doubles players and possess ample competition experience. I believe they have the strength to clinch the championship."
Yan added that she was optimistic that hosting the event would bolster tennis' growth in China.
"As people's interest in tennis rises, we can expect more high-level players to emerge in the future," she said, also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable mentality for those budding Chinese players.
"I have been watching our young tennis players in different games, and I noticed that players of both singles and doubles are very talented, especially the male players in recent years. I hope China's tennis players will achieve great results in the future.
"I hope they can play with a calm mindset, as it will naturally be reflected in good results," said Yan. ■