June 19, Shanghai — Leading international sports brand YONEX held a press conference today at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, home of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, under the subject “Built for the big points”. During the event, the company officially announced that its flagship product, the TOUR PLATINUM tennis ball, will serve as the “official ball” for three major ATP tournaments in Asia in the 2025 season.
These events include:
- The ATP 1000 Rolex Shanghai Masters
- The ATP 500 Kinoshita Group Japan Open
- The ATP 250 Chengdu Open
This milestone marks the first time in Asian professional tennis that a unified match ball will be used across top-tier tournaments, laying a strong foundation for regional standardization in professional tennis events.
*From left to right: Shigefusa Kanroji (Japan Open Tournament Director), Ayumu Shibahara (YONEX Shanghai General Manager), Michael Luevano (Rolex Shanghai Masters Tournament Director), Li Na (Chengdu Open Representative)
Mr. Ayumu Shibahara, General Manager of YONEX (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., remarked:
“At YONEX, we uphold the core philosophy of ‘MADE BY YONEX’—continuously enhancing product performance and service quality to provide professional, reliable support to athletes and enthusiasts worldwide. This partnership represents another major breakthrough for YONEX in Asian professional tennis, following our designation as the Official Stringer of the Rolex Shanghai Masters since 2016. It will further accelerate the development of the tennis ecosystem in East Asia.”
* Ayumu Shibahara, General Manager of YONEX (Shanghai)
Michael Luevano, Tournament Director of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, commented:
“Standardizing match balls is crucial to maintaining consistency and fairness in professional tournaments. The TOUR PLATINUM ball offers consistent air pressure and hitting response, enabling players to quickly adapt to the rigorous pace of the tour. With a longstanding relationship since 2016, we are confident in YONEX’s professional execution.”
*Michael Luevano, Tournament Director of Rolex Shanghai Masters
Manufactured entirely in YONEX’s own factory, the TOUR PLATINUM ball offers three key performance benefits:
- Long-lasting air pressure
- Precise flight trajectory
- Exceptional durability
At the press conference, YONEX hosted an interactive “Platinum Ball Challenge”, inviting renowned professional players, experienced coaches, and top-tier media representatives to participate. In a simulated match setting, participants experienced the ball’s precision control, lasting consistency, and elite-level performance—earning high praise and underscoring its potential in top-level competition.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, YONEX is committed to advancing professional tennis in Asia through innovation and excellence, bringing world-class matches to fans around the globe. The company will continue working with premier tournaments and global partners to push the sport of professional tennis forward.
