How One Man’s Tennis Journey is Revolutionizing Chinese Sports
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 […]