Tennis stars immerse themselves in Ningbo heritage

Ahead of the 2025 Ningbo Open, to be held from Oct 11 to 19 in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Czech star Linda Fruhvirtova and Austria's rising talent Lilli Tagger took a moment away from the courts to experience Ningbo's cultural charm.

Fruhvirtova, a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour member and one of the top young players in women's tennis, has reached multiple Grand Slam main draws since 2022, including the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open. Tagger, just 17 and the recent junior girls' singles champion at the French Open, is quickly gaining experience and climbing the world rankings.

Together with their teams, the two players strolled along scenic streets and alleys by Dongqian Lake in Yinzhou district on Oct 9, enjoying the serene atmosphere and taking in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The visit featured hands-on fragrance blending and traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Under expert guidance, they mixed personal scents and brewed tea, fully engaging with local traditions while enjoying the peaceful lakeside surroundings.

Fruhvirtova noted that this was her third visit to China and that Ningbo held special memories from previous tournaments. She appreciated the chance to unwind and recharge before the competition.

Tagger said that, as a young player, gaining tournament experience is important, but immersing herself in local culture is equally valuable. She felt the visit offered a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and a meaningful way to relax before the tournament.

Linda Fruhvirtova (left) and Lilli Tagger try a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. [Photo/nbyznews.cn]

Fruhvirtova and Tagger take a photo in front of a historic wall by Dongqian Lake in Ningbo. [Photo/nbyznews.cn]