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DJOKOVIC IMPRESSED BY CHINA OPEN CROWD AS TENNIS BOOSTS HOLIDAY TOURISM
Novak Djokovic has been struck by the growing enthusiasm for tennis in China after returning to the China Open for the first time in 11 years. The...
By Patience
The 24-time Grand Slam champion made his comeback to the Beijing tournament on Wednesday, defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the second round of the ATP 500 event.
Djokovic’s return drew a capacity crowd of more than 13,000 spectators, with fans filling the central court ahead of China’s National Day holiday.
DJOKOVIC PRAISES CHINESE FANS
Djokovic said the turnout exceeded his expectations, recalling the strong support he experienced during his previous appearances in Beijing.
The Serbian star last competed at the China Open in 2015. His latest appearance came as interest in tennis continues to expand across China.
The tournament recorded a record 360,000 total attendance last year, and organizers are expecting another strong turnout as the event coincides with the holiday period.
TOURNAMENT LINKS TENNIS WITH LOCAL SPENDING
The China Open is also being used to encourage spending beyond the tennis venue.
Organizers have partnered with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions to provide discounts to ticket holders, creating additional opportunities for businesses during the holiday.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to use sporting events to support tourism and consumer activity.
CHINA'S TENNIS CALENDAR CONTINUES TO EXPAND
The China Open is part of a broader series of professional tennis events taking place across China during the autumn season.
Nine tournaments held during the same period last year generated combined revenues of more than 1 billion yuan, while ticket sales reached 250 million yuan.
The current China swing features several leading international players, including Djokovic, newly crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and women's world No. 1 Elena Rybakina.
The continued growth of major tennis events in China is also drawing attention to the country's expanding role in the international tennis calendar.