Mission Hills Vice Chair Tenniel Chu said that the "sprawling resort" outside of Shenzhen can become the "breeding ground for the next generation of Chinese tennis players" after signing a deal with former tennis player Boris Becker to launch an academy there, according to James Porteous of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. The resort, "better known for its many golf courses, will launch the academy in September after a pilot scheme in the summer." More details than that "were vague," but Chu insists the German’s first ever tennis academy "can be crucial to the development of the game in China." Chu: "We had a mutual friend and when we had discussions instantly we both saw the spark and interest, how we could cross-synergize." He added, "China currently has around 20 million tennis players but the prediction is that could easily grow to 300 million." Chu said the academy would take in fee-paying students, "possibly in conjunction" with the int'l school that is also on the Mission Hills site, "plus some talented youngsters on scholarships." Hong Kong Tennis Association Dir of Player Development Mike Walker believes that "having such an academy so close to Hong Kong will be great for tennis development within the region." Chu suggested a professional tournament might follow, or at least an exhibition match, "with one name in particular obviously springing to mind." He said, "He says he can’t speak for him, but he’s head coach for Novak Djokovic ... if anyone can [get him here] he has the biggest chance" (SCMP, 3/24).
