On March 29-30, 2025, the "PKU Cup" Tennis Tournament concluded successfully at the Peking University Second Sports Ground Tennis Courts. Guided by the Communist Youth League Committee of Peking University and the Department of Physical Education, and co-hosted by the PKU Student Union and the Peking University Tennis Association. The PKU Shenzhen Graduate School Student Tennis Team, formed by the Shenzhen Graduate School Tennis Association, actively participated this year. The team received sponsorship from the Peking University Shenzhen Alumni Association Tennis Association and Beijing Ningdong Culture Media Co., Ltd., with additional support from the Communist Youth League Committee of PKU Shenzhen Graduate School and the PKU HSBC Business School EMBA Tennis Association. The tournament attracted 14 teams from various schools across the university.
The PKU Shenzhen Tennis Team (hereafter referred to as the "Shenzhen Team") fielded five members: Zhang Yixing, Aaron Yap Yung Zhen, Li Jiahao, Hou Shiyao, and Wang Feifei.
(Group photo of the PKU Shenzhen Team)
Drawn into the highly competitive Group C, the PKU Shenzhen Team faced off against last year’s runner-up, the School of Mathematical Sciences Team, and a formidable newcomer, the joint team from the School of Law and the School of Psychology. Rising to the challenge, the Shenzhen Team showed remarkable determination and tactical prowess. With outstanding performances, they broke through the group stage, securing first place with nine wins out of ten matches and advancing to the knockout rounds.
(Li Jiahao in action during a match)
In the first knockout round, the Shenzhen Team encountered the defending champions, the School of Information Science and Technology Team. Despite the opponent’s lineup including several varsity players, the PKU Shenzhen Team stayed calm and resilient under pressure, performing exceptionally well during key moments. After a grueling four-hour battle, they triumphed with a 3-1 overall score (2-6, 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-3), securing a spot in the semifinals.
(Photo: Aaron Yap Yung Zhen mid-swing)
In the semifinals, the Shenzhen Team went up against a joint team from the School of Physics and the School of Software and Microelectronics. Confronting versatile and well-coordinated opponents, the Shenzhen players maintained high morale and unwavering determination. They built a commanding advantage through precise serves, steady baseline rallies, and aggressive net play, ultimately winning 3-1 (6-1, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2) to advance to the finals.
(Zhang Yixing in action during a match)
In the championship match against the joint team from the School of Computer Science and the School of International Relations, the Shenzhen Team displayed relentless fighting spirit and superb tactical execution. Despite dropping the first set 0-6, the Shenzhen Team staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three sets (6-2, 6-3, 6-3) to seal a 3-1 victory and claim the championship.
(Wang Feifei [left] in action during a match; Hou Shiyao [right] holding the championship trophy)
Notably, this marked the Shenzhen Team’s first participation in the tournament since 2018. From registration to preparation, the team’s success was fueled not only by the players’ dedication and rigorous training but also by the robust support of the Communist Youth League Committee of PKU Shenzhen Graduate School, the Peking University Shenzhen Alumni Association Tennis Association, Beijing Ningdong Culture Media Co., Ltd., and the PKU HSBC Business School EMBA Tennis Association. This hard-earned trophy is the culmination of collective efforts from multiple parties, whose collaboration enabled the Shenzhen Team to rise above fierce competition and achieve a historic breakthrough—transforming their journey from "zero to hero." With this landmark victory, the Shenzhen Team will remain committed to its original aspirations, striving for excellence and aiming to deliver even greater achievements in future competitions!
Team Photo with the Trophy
