Jingshan: The Heartbeat of Tennis in China's Unique Community

In the scenic surrounds of Hubei province lies Jingshan, affectionately dubbed as China’s “tennis city.” With a population of 600,000, Jingshan is not just famous for its extensive tennis facilities but for a culture that embraces the sport as a way of life. Home to over 340 tennis courts, Jingshan stands out as a pioneer among county-level cities in terms of per capita court availability. This small city has become a haven for tennis enthusiasts and budding players, encapsulating a community spirit that is palpable.

A striking example of Jingshan's global tennis appeal is found in the story of Fabricio and Grecia González, a couple from Mexico who made the move to this vibrant city. With Fabricio’s rich background as a youth coach with 15 years of experience—including a stint at the French Open—and Grecia’s expertise as a respiratory therapist trained at Harvard, they have quickly become integral to the tennis landscape here. Impressed by Jingshan's world-class sports facilities and the players' dedication, they began their new chapter in this tennis-rich environment.

The duo's journey to Jingshan was sparked by the city's ambitious initiative to enhance its tennis programs in partnership with Shijie Sports Professional Tennis Club earlier this year. They were drawn by recommendations from local club members, prompting their first visit in August. "At first, we went online and didn't find anything about Jingshan," Fabricio admitted. However, upon their arrival, they were overwhelmed by the extensive resources and infrastructure supporting tennis development.

From the moment they landed, local efforts made a strong impression. They were granted work visas and settled into an 80-square-meter apartment within a week— a testament to the local government’s efficiency in integrating new talent. Fabricio embarked on creating a unique training regimen that blends Spanish footwork methods with Mexican strength techniques, aiming to refine the endurance and rhythm of young local players. Meanwhile, Grecia introduced breathing exercises, a rarity in domestic youth tennis, to counter physical limitations often encountered by young athletes during intensive training.

The couple is already witnessing the high potential of their students. “They approach training with remarkable energy, constantly pushing their limits,” Fabricio noted. This potential was further showcased when Jingshan hosted the landmark 2025 Hubei Bank Jingshan Open— the first-ever WTA 125 event in a Chinese county-level city. With 86 students from Hubei Tennis School contributing as ball boys and girls, the event provided invaluable exposure to high-level competition.

Beyond teaching, Fabricio and Grecia enthusiastically participate in local tennis events. Fabricio recently faced off against local tennis enthusiast Peng Jufang, who balances a day job tending to his cattle with nighttime tennis coaching for over 3,000 students throughout his lengthy career. Their friendly match quickly drew attention, transforming into a doubles game with locals of all ages joining in, filling the park with liveliness and laughter. “I have never seen such a vibrant community atmosphere,” Grecia noted from the sidelines, cherishing the connections threading through shared passion and sportsmanship.

Amidst their busy lives, the couple enjoys exploring local markets, incorporating traditional Mexican cuisine into their new lifestyle. Grecia is even intertwining herself with the local culture by learning Chinese. What initially was a temporary six-month commitment has transformed into a deep-seated desire to remain in Jingshan long-term. “Seeing the kids strive so hard gives us a true sense of belonging. It feels like home here,” Grecia remarked on her and Fabricio's newfound love for the city.

In Jingshan, tennis becomes more than just a sport; it is a cherished medium for fostering friendship and international camaraderie. Its notable blend of professional training facilities and a welcoming community atmosphere continues to draw global talent, enhancing the city’s rich tapestry of tennis culture and warmth.