MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The top tennis team from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan had the chance of a lifetime when they hit with former world No.4 Sam Stosur at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia last month.

The six-player team won the second edition of The Belt and Road Chengdu-Australian Open University Tennis Championship at Sichuan International Tennis Centre in Chengdu, China in July 2019.

As part of winning the tournament, Keio University won an all-expenses paid trip to Melbourne and played on the same courts of the world's best tennis players during the first Grand Slam of the year.

They also visited St Kilda Beach, Healesville Sanctuary, the Great Ocean Road and watched the likes of world No.1 Ashleigh Barty and world No.3 Roger Federer compete in the quarterfinals at Rod Laver Arena.

Keio University's team captain Maria Mukai said the trip to the Australian Open was a memorable experience.

"Our trip to the Australian Open was a dream come true and an amazing experience," Mukai said.

"It was incredible to hit with Sam Stosur during our practice session. She was really friendly and she gave us each a piece of advice we can all work on. Each team member will remember that moment forever."

Keio University Head Coach Sotaro Hara added, "It was very special to experience a Grand Slam and particularly the Australian Open so close to home.

"The team enjoyed playing tennis on the tournament's iconic blue courts, watching the tennis on centre court and taking in the sights of Melbourne."

"The second edition of The Belt and Road Chengdu-Australian Open University Tennis Championship has been very successful," Tennis Australia Director of International Business Ben Slack said.

"The tournament is all about promoting the city of Chengdu and fostering the development of tennis in the Asia Pacific region and we look forward to continuing the program in the future."

The Belt and Road Chengdu-Australian Open University Tennis Championship sees eight of the world's best university teams compete in a round robin tournament in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The third edition of the The Belt and Road Chengdu-Australian Open University Tennis Championship will be held in Chengdu, China in July 2020.

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Media Contact:

Harriet Rendle
Tennis Australia
hrendle@tennis.com.au
+61-432-001-249