After discovering the Margaret Court Tennis Academy online, tennis agent Mark Zou got in touch with director Phil Shanahan to organise a month-long visit.

The players spent four to six hours on court in the opening two weeks and attended two hours of English lessons, before spending their final two weeks at The Scots School Albury and playing tennis in the afternoons.

Shanahan said it was wonderful to have the visiting group in town.

“They’ve made lots of good friends here at school and the academy,” Shanahan said.

“The kids are going to miss them.

“Mark is looking to possibly make it an annual thing to bring Chinese players out here to train.

“Hopefully the next step after that is for them to come and board at The Scots School and train as well.”

Zou takes players on trips such as this on a regular basis, having travelled to Europe and the US. 

“It has been an amazing experience for us,” Zou said.

“This place is very special for them.

“They have not only made friends, but their English has improved greatly.

“I think it is a good chance for us to promote Albury and Wodonga in China.”

One of group’s standout members Richie Jing, 13, was the highest-ranked 12-year-old in his province last year and adjusted well to his first time on grass courts, claiming the under 14s doubles title at the Wangaratta Australia Day tournament.