China, the most populous country in the world, is experiencing a surge of interest and enthusiasm for tennis, thanks to the success of its homegrown players and the presence of the ATP Tour in the nation. The country has been hosting the China Open, an ATP 500 event, since 1993, and has seen the emergence of several talented players who have made their mark on the global stage.
Wu Yibing: The Trailblazer
One of the most prominent names in Chinese tennis is Wu Yibing, who became the first player from his country to win a Grand Slam title in any event when he claimed the boys’ singles and doubles trophies at the 2017 US Open. Wu, who is currently ranked No. 67 in the ATP Rankings, has also won two ATP Challenger Tour titles and reached his first ATP Tour quarter-final at the 2023 Chengdu Open. Wu is widely regarded as the leader of the new generation of Chinese players who are eager to follow his footsteps.
Zhang Zhizhen: The Breakthrough
Another rising star in Chinese tennis is Zhang Zhizhen, who made history by becoming the first Chinese man to play in the main draw of Wimbledon in 2021. Zhang, who is ranked No. 85 in the ATP Rankings, has also qualified for the Australian Open and the US Open in 2023, and reached his first ATP Tour semi-final at the 2023 Zhuhai Championships. Zhang is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, which have earned him the nickname “Big George” among his fans.
Shang Juncheng: The Sensation
The youngest and perhaps the most exciting prospect in Chinese tennis is Shang Juncheng, who stunned the world by reaching the third round of the 2023 Australian Open as a wildcard at the age of 17. Shang, who is ranked No. 123 in the ATP Rankings, has also won two ATP Challenger Tour titles and reached his first ATP Tour quarter-final at the 2023 Shenzhen Open. Shang is a versatile player who can adapt to different surfaces and styles, and has drawn comparisons to Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion.
ATP Tour: The Catalyst
The success of these players has been boosted by the presence of the ATP Tour in China, which has provided them with opportunities to compete against the best players in the world and gain valuable experience and exposure. The China Open, which is held in Beijing every year since 1993, is one of the most prestigious and popular events on the ATP calendar, attracting eight of the top 10 players in 2023. The tournament has also witnessed some memorable moments, such as Novak Djokovic’s five titles, Alcaraz’s debut appearance, and Wu’s historic run to the fourth round in 2022.
The ATP Tour also hosts several other events in China, such as the Shanghai Masters, which is part of the ATP Masters 1000 series, and the Chengdu Open, Zhuhai Championships, and Shenzhen Open, which are part of the ATP 250 series. These events have helped to grow the fan base and participation of tennis in China, as well as to showcase the culture and diversity of the country.
The Future: Bright and Promising
With a population of 1.4 billion people and a growing passion for tennis, China has enormous potential to become a major force in the sport. The country has invested heavily in developing its tennis infrastructure, such as courts, academies, coaches, and competitions. It has also benefited from the guidance and influence of former ATP Tour players such as Zhang Ze and Gong Mao-Xin, who are now coaching young pros and juniors in China.
The future of Chinese tennis looks bright and promising, as more players are emerging from its talent pool and making their mark on the international stage. The country’s tennis boom is led by its rising stars and supported by its partnership with the ATP Tour.
