On October 12, 2024, the ITF International Tennis Masters Tournament MT400 Shanghai concluded, bringing together nearly 300 amateur “masters” from over ten countries and regions for an intense competition and a shared passion for the sport.
The ITF International Tennis Masters Tournament, established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in 2022, is a new event system built on the previous ITF Senior Tour. Participants have the opportunity to earn international ranking points, and the Master designation is particularly appealing to younger players, enhancing the event’s inclusivity and attractiveness.
The tournament features five levels—MT100, MT200, MT400, MT700, and MT1000—with higher levels offering more points. Competitors are divided into age groups, with divisions occurring every five years. The events include singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, catering to tennis enthusiasts aged 30 to 90 worldwide. The aim is to provide high-quality and enjoyable competition while encouraging players to break beyond age boundaries and use tennis as a new social avenue. Since its inception, the tournament has drawn over 30,000 registered players and hosted more than 500 events, gathering an impressive total of over 50,000 participants.
Unlike professional players, those at the MT400 Shanghai Tournament participate solely out of their love for the game, with all expenses covered by themselves. Competitors traveled from nations such as the United States, Italy, Russia, and Chile to take part in the event.
The tournament followed a best-of-three sets format. While all matches except the finals relied on players to resolve disputes through a unique trust system characteristic of tennis, a referee was on-site during the finals to oversee the proceedings. This approach underscores the sport’s commitment to elegance, fairness, and integrity.
On the tournament’s opening day, a particularly intense match unfolded between Shanghai’s Wang Dajia and Russia’s Pudovkin. After each player won a set, the contest remained tightly contested, culminating in a narrow victory for Pudovkin. Following the match, he remarked, “It was challenging to get a flight to Shanghai due to the Chinese holiday; several of my friends missed this opportunity. But being here has been rewarding. The tennis atmosphere in Shanghai is fantastic, and the competition is truly fierce.”
Chief referee Jia Wei noted a marked increase in the skill level of participants this year. Contestants hail from various countries, showcasing the event’s broad appeal. Additionally, the tournament’s format aligns with international standards, providing players with a taste of global competition.
To foster a vibrant tennis atmosphere, the MT400 Shanghai set up a viewing area at the Baoshan Peng Mai Tennis Center, where participants could enjoy watching the ATP Shanghai Masters during downtime between matches. As part of the national sports industry demonstration project “Tennis Every Day,” the Peng Mai Tennis Center also participates in a commemorative series of matches every evening during the ATP Shanghai Masters, allowing winning players to watch the following day’s matches from a VIP box.
Data from 2023 reveals that China ranks second globally in the number of tennis courts, with projections indicating that the country’s tennis industry scale will reach 36.9 billion yuan in 2024, an increase of 15%. The number of tennis players in China is expected to reach 23.81 million, accounting for 25.3% of the global tennis population, potentially surpassing the United States for the first time.
The Peng Mai Tennis Center, located in the innovative Wusong area of Baoshan, has become a popular hub for tennis in Shanghai, boasting 12 indoor courts that meet Australian Open standards, a dedicated children’s tennis facility covering 500 square meters, two VIP broadcasting suites, and an open fan plaza that combines leisure and entertainment.
Participant Zhong Yang from Guangzhou shared, “I participated in tennis competitions around 2005, and it’s evident that the number of tennis players has significantly increased since then. Players from all over the world gather here, enhancing the involvement in tennis.”
