Zhang’s spectacular win units up an intriguing conflict with Casper Ruud, the 2022 French Open runner-up. This achievement is a big milestone for Chinese language males’s tennis, showcasing Zhang’s expertise and willpower on the worldwide stage.
Whereas Zhang loved success, his compatriots Wu Yibing and qualifier Shang Juncheng have been unable to progress past the opening spherical, leaving Zhang as the only consultant of Chinese language males’s tennis in the principle draw at this 12 months’s French Open.
“It is a large victory for me particularly within the Grand Slams,” stated Zhang who had misplaced 3 times within the opening spherical of the Slams earlier than coming to Roland Garros.
“For me, it isn’t strain to be right here. I am making an attempt to point out my greatest self, present the whole lot that I’ve and attempt to compete with these guys. That is the explanation I am right here. It is no strain for me.”
Zhang has persistently achieved outstanding milestones all through his profession. Notably, on the Madrid Open final month, he made historical past as the primary Chinese language participant to succeed in the quarter-finals of a Masters 1000 occasion, a big accomplishment.
This achievement propelled him to a career-high rating of 69, a testomony to his expertise and dedication.
Throughout his spectacular run in Madrid, Zhang defeated notable gamers reminiscent of Cameron Norrie and Taylor Fritz, each of whom have been ranked within the high 15 on the time. These victories showcased Zhang’s capacity to compete at a excessive degree and marked vital breakthroughs for Chinese language males’s tennis.
Within the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Zhang grew to become the primary Chinese language man to compete in the principle draw within the Open Period, additional solidifying his standing as a trailblazer for Chinese language tennis.
Zhang’s upcoming match within the French Open towards Ruud guarantees to be an thrilling encounter. Ruud secured his place within the final 32 by defeating Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri in a hard-fought match that lasted 4 units.
Each Zhang and Ruud have demonstrated their talents to attain outstanding feats of their respective careers, making their conflict an intriguing battle on the tennis courtroom.
