The United States Tennis Association (USTA) CEO Lewis Sherr has lauded China Media Group’s (CMG’s) broadcasting of the U.S. Open, signaling a desire to forge a long-term partnership with the Chinese media giant.
This year’s U.S. Open, which concluded on September 8, saw an unprecedented participation of 11 players from the Chinese mainland, marking a new chapter in the nation’s tennis history. Among the standout athletes were Shang Juncheng, who advanced to the men’s singles third round; Wang Yafan, who reached the women’s singles round of 16; and Zheng Qinwen, who made an impressive run to the women’s singles quarterfinals.
“It’s wonderful to witness the growing popularity of tennis globally, and China has been at the forefront of this growth in recent years,” Sherr remarked. “The performances of these talented players are a testament to the sport’s rising prominence in the Chinese mainland.”
In November 2023, CMG and the USTA signed a memorandum of cooperation encompassing broadcasting rights for the U.S. Open, co-organizing tennis tournaments, and initiatives to promote youth tennis development in China. This collaboration aims to strengthen the ties between the two organizations and enhance the sport’s outreach in the Asian market.
Sherr praised the longstanding cooperation with CMG, stating, “CMG has been an exceptional partner in bringing the excitement of the U.S. Open from New York to China. As Chinese players continue to excel on the world stage, it’s crucial that fans in the Chinese mainland have the opportunity to watch and support them.”
Looking ahead, Sherr expressed the USTA’s commitment to building a sustained partnership with CMG. He also extended his best wishes to CMG in co-hosting the upcoming China Open, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to elevate tennis both regionally and globally.
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USTA CEO Lewis Sherr praises CMG's broadcasting of U.S. Open
cgtn.com