Chicago “Marathon Ginseng Cup”

The 8th International Chinese Tennis Open Chicago 2018 was proudly title-sponsored by the U.S. Marathon American Ginseng Group and successfully held in Elm Grove, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Lucy Chen-Jin, Chairwoman of the International Chinese Tennis Federation (ICTF), attended the Opening Ceremony as both an honored guest and athlete. Distinguished guests attending the Opening Ceremony also included Neil Palmer, Mayor of Elm Grove, Wisconsin; Mr. Yuan Wenbin, President of the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Zhang Xuefeng, President of the Florida Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Yi Ming, General Manager of Zhuhai Huafa Sports Operations Management Co., Ltd. and Chief Planner of the WTA Zhuhai Elite Trophy, who also participated as an athlete. On August 25, 2018, a grand and memorable Opening Ceremony was held at the Elm Grove Tennis Courts in Wisconsin, USA. More than 80 athletes from eight representative teams across four continents and five countries — Spain, Australia, Canada, the United States, and China — gathered together in Milwaukee’s beautiful Elm Grove community for a spectacular, warm, elegant, and uniquely memorable international tennis celebration. Tournament Results: 🥇 Champion: Zhuhai Tennis Promotion Association Team 🥈 Runner-up: Nanchang Motian Tennis Club 🥉 Third Place: International Chinese Tennis Federation Team Following the tournament, the Organizing Committee arranged a series of cultural and sightseeing activities throughout the United States. Participants visited the Milwaukee Museum, toured the famous Harley-Davidson Museum and its century-old motorcycle heritage, and explored the historic Miller Brewery established in 1855, gaining a deeper appreciation for American industrial culture and history. The group then continued their unforgettable journey to Chicago and New York City. At the former site of the World Trade Center Twin Towers after the 9/11 tragedy, now known as “Ground Zero,” everyone reflected deeply on the meaning of peace and remembrance. The names of more than 3,000 victims are permanently engraved there in solemn tribute, reminding visitors to cherish peace and life. The delegation also visited many iconic New York landmarks including Wall Street’s Charging Bull, Broadway Avenue, One World Trade Center, Times Square, and took a sightseeing cruise around Manhattan to admire the Statue of Liberty. Participants toured the historic USS Intrepid aircraft carrier from World War II, now transformed into a famous maritime museum, as well as the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, Princeton University’s Anderson Theatre, Brooklyn’s vibrant street mural art, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of New York City’s most famous cathedrals. One of the most exciting highlights of the entire journey was attending the US Open Tennis Championships. On the very first morning of the US Open, the entire delegation departed Chicago at 3:00 AM on the earliest flight to New York. The Organizing Committee arranged accommodation at a Hilton Hotel conveniently located near the tennis grounds. Everyone was so excited that they did not even stop to place their luggage at the hotel before rushing directly to the tournament venue. The group enthusiastically gathered courtside to cheer for Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai. Their passionate support deeply impressed television reporters, who came to interview the team. For many participants, it was their very first experience attending the US Open, and they were profoundly moved by the atmosphere, professionalism, and rich tennis culture surrounding one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This extraordinary journey was far more than just an international tennis tournament. It became an unforgettable life experience that broadened horizons, created lifelong friendships, and connected overseas Chinese tennis enthusiasts from around the world through their shared passion for tennis. The 8th International Chinese Tennis Open Chicago 2018 will forever remain a treasured chapter in the history of international Chinese tennis.