Eno Polo, CEO of the ATP Tour, highlighted the importance of a robust tournament structure in China as a key component for the country's tennis aspirations. In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, he discussed the concentration of tennis events in China, especially during the autumn months, where tournaments include ATP 250 events in Chengdu and Hangzhou, followed by the ATP 500 China Open in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters.

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Polo emphasized that having a sequence of tournaments at different levels allows players and fans to engage closely with professional tennis. He remarked, "China is a place where you have the 250, the 500, and the 1000 in one swing. That's a great calendar tournament."

The upcoming Shanghai Masters, scheduled from October 10 to 18, will feature notable players like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, though world No.1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn due to injury. Polo expressed optimism about the future of Chinese tennis, citing the need for a developmental “supply chain” for young athletes, ensuring there are enough tournaments throughout the year to facilitate their growth.

According to data from China’s Tennis Sports Management Center, there were over 25.18 million tennis participants in the country in 2024, marking a 28.03 percent increase since 2021. Additionally, China boasts 53,805 tennis courts and 43,981 coaches, with more than 500,000 young players participating in various competitions.

In 2026, the China Open will also host junior and master-level tournaments as part of its expanded program. Polo noted significant recent achievements in men’s tennis, including Wu Yibing becoming the first Chinese man to win an ATP Tour singles title at the 2023 Dallas Open and Shang Juncheng’s victory at the 2024 Chengdu Open. Polo believes the current generation of players possesses the skills to rank highly on the world stage.

For further development, Polo suggested that increasing the number of ATP Challenger events in China could provide younger players with critical international experience. He highlighted the ATP's tiered calendar, which offers opportunities across all levels, as essential for player development.

Polo indicated that the establishment of a development center in Shanghai could enhance support for emerging players, bringing ATP expertise in coaching and medical care to the region. He underscored two key indicators of success: the growth in fan engagement and increased participation in tennis.

Successful outreach to younger fans is also crucial, given today’s teenagers engage with sports alongside various entertainment forms. The ATP Tour aims to adapt its approach accordingly, collaborating with local influencers and creating relevant content. Polo reiterated the importance of maintaining engagement between major tournaments, stating, "I would like to make sure is that when tennis finishes with the Shanghai Masters, we continue the connection of the ATP Tour in China."

With a burgeoning tournament calendar and an increasing number of homegrown talent, Polo believes the future of Chinese tennis is promising, stating, "I think China’s time will come soon."