Asian tennis is undergoing a quiet yet powerful transformation, driven by trailblazers like Li Na and rising champions such as Alexandra Eala and Qinwen Zheng. The sport, traditionally dominated by Europe and the USA, is now witnessing the emergence of Asian athletes rewriting the narrative on international courts.
Hong Kong’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Ling Zhang credits Li Na’s historic wins at the French Open in 2011 and Australian Open in 2014 as the beginning of a revolution in Asian tennis. “She’s like an elder sister to us,” Zhang says. “Her success made the dream feel real.”
Today, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines has captured global attention. The 19-year-old recently stormed into the Miami Masters semi-final, defeating top-tier players like Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, Paula Badosa, and Iga Swiatek. Thailand’s Manachaya Sawangkaew, ranked No.112 globally, expressed admiration for Eala, saying, “She fights not just for herself but for her country. Everyone in Asia sees what she’s doing.”
Alongside Eala stands China’s Qinwen Zheng, a 2024 Australian Open finalist and Paris Olympics gold medalist. Zheng represents the result of China’s strategic investment in tennis infrastructure, dating back to 2010. According to India’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Vishal Uppal, “Every district champion receives full support to compete worldwide, with coaches and physios backed by sponsors.”
Thailand too is strengthening its foundation. Sawangkaew, a finalist at the WTA125 Mumbai Open, highlights how extensive training teams and local tournaments provide critical support to Thai athletes.
Despite this growth, Asian tennis players continue to face structural challenges. Europe and the USA dominate the international tennis calendar, offering more accessible opportunities for regular competition. Players from geographically distant regions like New Zealand often rely on US college scholarships to progress.
New Zealand captain Matt Hair acknowledges the difficulty: “In Europe, everything is close. You can play, come home, train, and go back quickly. For us, it’s expensive and difficult to travel.”
To bridge this gap, China has created a robust tournament calendar that includes two ATP 250 events in Chengdu and Hangzhou, ATP 500 in Beijing, ATP 1000 in Shanghai, and multiple WTA events including WTA 1000 in Beijing and Wuhan. It will also host the Billie Jean King Cup Finals this year.
India’s tennis structure is less developed in comparison, with only three ATP Challengers and one WTA125 event. Most tournaments are initiated by state associations rather than the national body, highlighting a need for more centralized support.
Despite the hurdles, Asian tennis is steadily gaining momentum, powered by committed athletes and increasing infrastructure. With rising stars and expanding tournament calendars, Asia is ready to carve out a stronger presence in global tennis.
