For Tao Hanxiao, tennis is not just a game—it is a way of life. The Tsinghua University Ph.D. student balances rigorous academic research with intense training, proving that passion and perseverance can go hand in hand. To him, tennis means growth, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to giving back.

The Warrior on the Court

Tao’s journey with tennis began at the age of eight, pushed into the sport by his parents. At the time, he was just a kid who wanted to play, not yet captivated by the demands of training. “It felt more like an obligation back then,” he admits. As schoolwork took priority in high school, he stepped away from the court entirely—only to rediscover his love for the game years later at university. What started as a childhood chore slowly became a passion, then an identity.

Even after stepping away from the game in high school, he found his way back during university – and came back swinging. From reaching the podium at the China University Tennis Championships to winning the men’s doubles in the Capital University Tennis League, to claiming three consecutive Ma Yuehan Cup titles, Tao built a resume that speaks for itself.

Behind every victory is a story of sweat, sacrifice, and sheer willpower. Whether it is a singles match or a doubles showdown, Tao thrives in the heat of competition. But trophies are not what defines him. He points to a match he lost – after holding a match point—as a turning point. “It’s about learning how to lose, it’s about picking yourself up, even when every part of you wants to quit,” quoted the young athlete. That loss stung but became a blessing in disguise, spurring him to identify his weaknesses – he played too cautiously when ahead. So, he worked on aggressive shots, sharpening his angles and attacking the net more. That defeat had exposed the gap; now, he trained to fill it.

For Tao, tennis is more than competition – it is a training ground for life. “It teaches you to step out of your comfort zone,” he says. “To embrace discomfort, to adapt, and to keep moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against you.” This is not just a mindset he brings to the court; it is how he tackles everything – from grueling Ph.D. work to daily setbacks. Tao plays like a warrior: never flinching, always learning, and constantly pushing for the next breakthrough.

The Heart Behind

“Tiger Brother Tennis School”

Off the court, Tao has built something with a lasting impact – the Tiger Brother Tennis School. What began as a few informal training sessions gradually evolved into a thriving community of over 30 players. Here, Tao is a coach, a mentor, and a motivator.

Named after his nickname “Tiger Brother”, the school took on a life of its own. “People kept asking me for advice,” he says with a smile. What started casually became something structured – weekly training sessions covering technique, strategy, fitness, and mental conditioning. Tao leads every session himself, helping players sharpen their skills, improve match awareness, and build their confidence on and off the court.

Students praise Tao’s patience, his clarity in breaking down complex techniques, and his knack for making even the toughest drills engaging. More than anything, the school runs on a core belief: tennis should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. “I wanted to create a space where people could learn the sport without intimidation.”

Looking ahead, Tao’s vision is bigger than any trophy. He dreams of expanding Tiger Brother Tennis School into a legacy that extends far beyond his own achievements. “Tennis has given me so much,” he says. “Now, it’s my turn to give back.” Even after graduation, he plans to continue playing, seeing tennis not just as a sport but as a way to connect with others. “It’s a networking opportunity, a way to build relationships,” he says. “But more than that, it’s a part of who I am.”