Zhang Zhizhen concludes 2024 as he began it, representing China in international competition, now at the United Cup starting Friday in Perth.
The 28-year-old’s landmark year saw him reach World No. 31, achieve his first tour-level final at the Hangzhou Open, and secure an Olympic mixed doubles silver medal with Wang Xinyu in Paris. His success has broader implications for Chinese tennis.
“If people are watching us do something and then trying to follow us, that’s great news for us,” Zhang shared in Perth. “Most Chinese people are watching table tennis or badminton at the Olympics, not tennis. But suddenly they’re watching [our] final live on TV. Right away, more people are knowing us and more people are trying to play, trying to learn.”
Zhang’s pioneering role has coincided with the emergence of fellow Chinese players Shang Juncheng and Buyunchaokete in the Top 100. Shang notably won in Chengdu, becoming China’s second ATP Tour title holder after Wu’s Dallas victory in 2023.
“I’m always seeing this pressure in a good way, they’re pushing me,” said Zhang, currently World No. 45. “For sure they are going to pass me one day, but they’re also pushing me to go forward.”
Zhang’s 2024 achievements included becoming the first Chinese man to win a Wimbledon main-draw match. His run to the Hangzhou Open final, despite knee issues, marked another milestone before losing to Marin Cilic.
“This year, 2024, [has been] really good, really successful. I’m quite happy for what I’m doing, and also with my team.”
Zhang begins 2025 at the United Cup, an 18-country mixed-teams event. Following WTA No. 5 Qinwen Zheng’s withdrawal, he’ll partner with two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Zhang Shuai as China faces Brazil in Perth’s RAC Arena.
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