Chinese tennis star spreads the love

The China Open will commence in Beijing with Yuan Yue competing as the 30th seed and receiving a first-round bye. Amid preparations for the tournament, Yuan signed a sponsorship agreement with Ma'anshan Hongchenglyu Sports on Monday, focusing on the development of youth tennis in China.

"Tennis is a sport that not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters resilience. However, it requires a high level of technical skill, which demands long-term dedication and persistent effort," Yuan said.

Xi Yang, general manager of Ma'anshan Hongchenglyu Sports, emphasized Yuan's popularity among young athletes. Parents view her as a role model, hoping to inspire their children to take up tennis and participate in competitions, she said.

At 26, Yuan aims to leverage her partnership with Ma'anshan Hongchenglyu Sports' sub-brand ROGT to promote the sport and encourage more youth to develop a passion for tennis.

Yuan began her tennis journey at the age of 10 and turned professional in 2017, claiming two ITF singles titles along the way. This year, she celebrated a significant milestone by winning her first WTA Tour singles title at the WTA Austin Open in Texas.

As the China Open approaches, the world's 41st-ranked player expressed her excitement. "As a professional player, I spend a lot of time competing overseas. Returning for the Chinese season, I always feel the support from fans in every city we play — it truly feels like our home ground," she stated.

Yuan holds cherished memories of the China Open, notably her victory over Belgian star Elise Mertens at the Diamond Court last year. This win marked her first against a top-30 player and her inaugural triumph in a WTA 1000 main draw. "The atmosphere here is very special to me," she said, reflecting on her past championship win during her junior career.

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