The second World Humanoid Robot Games (2026) officially commenced on the evening of August 22nd, drawing participation from 666 teams representing 16 countries. A total of 20,256 robots will engage in five days of intense competition, vying for championship honors across 51 different sporting events.

During the opening ceremony held at 7:00 PM, Galaxy General's Galaxy Xingzai humanoid robot captivated the audience with a historic first-ever man-machine tennis exhibition match against renowned professional tennis player Zheng Jie. Across three rounds of service exchanges, the Xingzai robot managed to return the ball over 20 times in each round, showcasing remarkable consistency and agility.

Spectators observed the robot's nimble footwork and rapid body movements as it executed plays, with its frame experiencing significant sway during intense rallies. Despite these challenges, the robot maintained its balance throughout the match, never falling—a feat that earned thunderous applause and widespread approval from the live audience for its impressive athletic performance.

Following the demonstration, Zheng Jie expressed her amazement at the humanoid robot's capabilities, stating she was "deeply impressed" and noting how rapidly robotics technology continues to evolve. She also voiced optimism about the future integration of humanoid robots into professional athlete training programs, particularly highlighting potential applications in tennis serve practice and other skill-development scenarios.

Background information shows Zheng Jie made history in 2004 as the first Chinese player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament. Her illustrious career includes women's doubles titles at the 2006 Australian Open, German Open, and Wimbledon, along with singles championships at the Stockholm and Estoril tournaments. She further cemented her legacy by securing a bronze medal in women's doubles with partner Yan Zi at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.