On and Roger Federer Honor Tennis’s Unsung Heroes, Unveil Revitalized shanghai Youth Court

By [Your Name], ArchySports.com

SHANGHAI, October 8, 2025

In a powerful tribute to the dedication that fuels the sport, Swiss performance brand On, alongside tennis legend Roger Federer, celebrated the unsung heroes of Chinese tennis at their second annual “Salute to Every Game” event in Shanghai. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a newly renovated tennis court at the shanghai Xuhui district No. 1 Youth Amateur Sports School, a project aimed at bolstering grassroots tennis development.

At the heart of this initiative is 83-year-old Liu Yunzhi, a figure whose lifelong commitment has profoundly shaped Chinese tennis. From his early days as a professional player to his roles as a referee and, crucially, a leading figure in tennis court engineering, liu Yunzhi embodies the spirit of dedication. his work, often behind the scenes, is basic to the sport’s accessibility and performance. As on’s co-founder Roger Federer noted, The foundation of any great athlete is built on quality facilities and the passion of those who create them.

For over two decades, Liu Yunzhi and his team have been instrumental in constructing and refurbishing more than 4,000 professional tennis courts. Their expertise is not just in building courts, but in understanding the nuances that elevate the game. They are credited with developing the distinctive Shanghai Purple and Shanghai Green court colors, iconic hues synonymous with the prestigious Shanghai Masters. This deep understanding of what makes a court truly playable and professional was key to the renovation of the Youth Sports School’s facilities.

The collaboration between On and Liu yunzhi’s team signifies a commitment to bringing world-class standards to the amateur level. The true meaning of sports lies not only in the highlight moments on the court, but also in the efforts behind the scenes, stated Cai Yijia, General Manager of On Asia Pacific. Liu Yunzhi and her team are the epitome of countless behind-the-scenes defenders of Chinese tennis. we are honored to join hands with her to equip grassroots tennis courts with world-class event-level facilities.

This initiative resonates deeply within the American sports landscape, where the development of youth talent is often seen as the bedrock of future success. Think of the impact of well-maintained public parks and school courts across the U.S. that have launched countless careers, from neighborhood heroes to Grand slam champions. The investment in the Xuhui Youth Sports School mirrors this beliefs, recognizing that nurturing talent requires not just coaching, but also the right surroundings.

The renovation goes beyond aesthetics. Professional court surfaces are critical for player safety, reducing injury risk, and optimizing ball bounce and speed, directly impacting a player’s development and performance. For young athletes, learning the game on a court that meets professional standards can significantly accelerate their progress and instill confidence. This project ensures that the next generation of Chinese tennis stars have the possibility to train on facilities that rival those seen in major international tournaments.

While the focus is on the tangible upgrade of the court, the event also shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked roles in sports infrastructure. Liu Yunzhi’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every major sporting event and every star athlete, there are individuals like him whose expertise and tireless work make it all possible. This aligns with the growing trend in sports journalism to highlight the broader ecosystem of the game, not just the players and coaches.

Areas for Further Exploration:

• The long-term impact of these upgraded facilities on junior player development in Shanghai.
• The specific engineering innovations Liu yunzhi and his team have pioneered that set their court constructions apart.
• On’s broader strategy for supporting grassroots sports development globally, and how this Shanghai initiative fits into that vision