The Hangzhou 2023 International Tennis Masters Tournament is set to kick off on June 22. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

The Hangzhou International Tennis Masters Tournament will take place in Xiaoshan on June 22 and will feature tennis greats such as Carlos Moya, Marat Safin, Juan Martin del Potro, and David Ferrer, as well as Emma Raducanu, the half-Chinese 2000s-born US Open women's singles champion.

The event aims to match the international prominence of the Laver Cup, striving to become one of the world's top tennis extravaganzas. The competition will be in the form of a points-based tournament, including both singles and doubles matches, with the team that accumulates the highest score of nine points claiming the ultimate victory.

Outstanding Chinese male players like Li Zhe, He Yecong, and Wang Xiaofei will also participate. Wang Fa, a young tennis player from Yunnan who carries his racket in a woven basket, not only will compete but also serve as an ambassador for youth activities during the event.

Drawing inspiration from top-tier sporting events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1 Grand Prix, the competition cleverly combines sports and entertainment. Popular music elements will be introduced, with renowned singer Hu Haiquan set to serve as the guest performer at the opening ceremony. The Hangzhou Song and Dance Troupe will showcase original dance performances steeped in traditional Chinese culture, kicking off a tennis night at the Olympic Sports Center.

In a departure from the traditional tennis court, the event will take place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. After fulfilling its duty as the venue for the CBA Finals, the stadium is currently undergoing a transformative process from basketball to tennis. With a seating capacity of 18,000, the sports arena is set to bring tennis fans many new surprises.

The tournament is expected to be a tennis extravaganza. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]