The 2024 China-U.S. University Tennis Friendship Tournament commenced at the Shanghai Qizhong Tennis Center on Aug 15. Faculty and students from 10 American universities, including Dartmouth College and Boston University, faced off against their counterparts from six Chinese universities, including East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. On the first day, both the Chinese men's and women's teams triumphed with a score of 2:1.

Chinese and American players spend time together on the court. [Photo/College of International Education of ECUST]

The finals took place on Aug 17 at ECUST's Xuhui campus, during which players demonstrated their skills in a highly charged atmosphere. The men's singles final concluded with Matthew Kandel from Williams College winning the championship. In the women's singles final, Zhang Qingyang from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics emerged victorious.

Mixed doubles teams engaged in a fierce competition. [Photo/College of International Education of ECUST]

Following the singles finals, the doubles matches ensued. Xi Zixuan from Zhejiang University and Gao Zhiyang from ECUST clinched the women's doubles title with their steady performance and mental resilience. Wu Jia from Southwest University and Li Zefeng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University secured the men's doubles title after a fierce contest.

After the match, men's singles champion Matthew Kandel remarked, "Today's match was tough. The Chinese players are very strong and friendly. I was fortunate to win. I love China and Shanghai, and I will definitely return if given the chance."

A media member interviews Matthew Kandel from Williams College. [Photo/College of International Education of ECUST]

Boston University coach Jesse Frieder praised the Chinese players' strength and the excitement of the matches, calling it an unforgettable experience. Visiting China for the first time, he developed a deep interest in Chinese culture and looks forward to future exchanges.

As a special project of the YES (Young Envoys Scholarship) program, this tournament aims to support the national initiative of "inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years." After the competition, organizers arranged various cultural activities to provide American students with a comprehensive and immersive experience of China.

Sources: College of International Education of ECUST, Jiefang Daily