Through the universal language of sports, the event aimed to bridge global youth, build international friendships and foster bonds for better understanding and growth, said ECUST Vice President Zhao Liming.

After three days of competition, players from Monash University and ECUST scooped the men's and women's titles respectively, while a joint team between the two schools also won the mixed doubles title. A player from Furman University defended his men's singles title and ECUST's Chen Yiru claimed the women's singles.

In addition to sports engagements, the athletes also participated in scientific innovation workshops at ECUST, as well as city tours and museum visits around Shanghai.

“It feels incredibly great to compete with players from Chinese and Australian universities. Tennis is fun itself, and it is even more fun to make so many new friends during the week. What we gain from this trip is even more meaningful than playing tennis itself, and it is an unforgettable experience,” said Leon Liu from Williams College.

Zhang Wenjun contributed to this story.