Zhuhai Impresses With World-Class Tennis Facility

With 23 professional tournaments contested throughout 2015, China has established itself as a premier location for world-class men’s tennis in Asia. But a new facility in the city of Zhuhai, which plays host to a $50,000+H event this week on the ATP Challenger Tour, has gone above and beyond in their bid to grow the sport across the country.

Construction on the Hengqin International Tennis Center began last February and was completed in eight months, just in time to host the WTA Elite Trophy event in November. Located on Hengqin Island, just next to the coastal region of Macau, the 60,000 square metre complex includes a 5,000-seat centre court, five match courts and 12 training courts, all of which have lights for evening play. The $84 million project was designed by Populous, a global architect company that also designed the new roof on Wimbledon’s Centre Court and the recently completed Margaret Court Arena at the Australian Open.

“The facilities and venue here are among the top for Challenger tournaments,” said Wu Di, China’s top singles player at No. 171 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. “I thought it could host an ATP World Tour 500 event or even a Masters 1000 event.”

One of the most popular features for spectators is the roof over Zhuhai’s centre court. With a cantilevered outer section over the seating and a circular inner roof over the court, it protects from the rain and also allows light to filter in. Players have praised the roof for how it shields them from the glare of the sun.

Ji Ming, Vice General Manager of Zhuhai Huafa Sports Operation Management Company, said the tennis centre will be available for the public to use year-round. Tennis is already one of the most popular recreational activities among residents of Zhuhai. The city has a population of just one million people, but nearly 10,000 residents can be found playing tennis after work every day.

The centre court also hosted a concert last December by Chinese singer Jane Zhang and will eventually look to welcome other sporting events such as boxing. But for now, Ming said that tennis remains the top priority as the facility looks to double in size.

“The second part of the tennis centre is on its way and will be another 60,000 square metres,” he said. “When it’s done, it will be even more magnificent.”