Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has made the continent buzz by becoming the first Asian player to win the Olympic tennis singles title. The market is closely watching industry trends, anticipating a sharp increase in related demand due to the 'Zheng Qinwen effect.'
On the 4th, China's Pengpai newspaper reported on Zheng Qinwen's gold medal in women's singles and silver medal in mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics, stating that she "rewrote Chinese tennis history" and that this achievement "will also help boost China's 'tennis economy.'"
According to Meituan, China's largest delivery and reservation platform, searches related to 'tennis' have increased by more than 60% year-on-year since July. In particular, searches from consumers in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Guangzhou have risen, with most of these users being young people aged 25 to 35. The number of purchases for tennis experience classes or lessons surged by 172% compared to the previous year.
China's interest in tennis is well known. According to the International Tennis Federation's 'Global Tennis Report 2021,' the global tennis population reached 87.18 million in 2021, with China ranking second globally at 19.92 million (22.9%). China also ranks second in the number of tennis courts (49,767) and fifth in the number of coaches, with 11,350.
Considering income levels, tennis remains a 'noble sport' in China. Prices for standard courts at eight Shanghai tennis centers, confirmed through the sports service app Jiusi Tiyu (久是體育), reach up to 220 yuan (about 42,000 won) per hour. However, most courts are fully booked more than a week in advance, making access difficult. Pengpai newspaper reported that some courts are raising fees due to the surge in demand. Lesson fees are about 6,000 yuan for 20 sessions of 2 hours each, and initial equipment costs?including racket, shoes, bag, strings, clothing, and hat?are estimated to exceed 3,000 yuan.
Popular sportswear brands in China such as Fila, Adidas, Nike, and Lululemon are closely monitoring market trends by launching products including tennis skirts. According to Bibshop data as of the 2nd, sales of tennis skirts in July increased by 91% year-on-year. Purchases by younger generations born after 1995 and 2000 rose notably by 179% and 155%, respectively, compared to last year.
Pengpai explained, "The tennis craze is driving consumption not only in courts and equipment but also in culture and tourism." It added, "Hubei Province, known as a tennis hub, has focused on the related market since the 1980s by increasing standardized courts. Jingmen alone has more than 300 courts, and the tennis population exceeds 100,000."
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