A batch of Chinese players are determined to make splash at the Australian Open.
BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- As the 2024 Australian Open draws near, the expectation is high for Chinese players. They will strive to make their mark and create unforgettable moments on the renowned courts of Melbourne Park.
Zhang Zhizhen(ATP 53rd)
In July 2023, Zhang rose to No. 52 in the world rankings, the highest position ever held by a Chinese mainland male player.
His explosive growth was evident at the 2023 US Open, where he became the first Chinese mainland male player to defeat a top-five opponent in a Grand Slam event. In September, Zhang added a gold medal to his accolades by clinching the men's singles title at the Asian Games after a 29-year hiatus for China. Partnering with Zheng Qinwen, he also led the China to the quarterfinals at the United Cup earlier this year.
Zheng Qinwen (WTA 13th)
As China's highest-ranked female player, Zheng Qinwen advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open after defeating former runner-up Ons Jabeur, marking a significant breakthrough by reaching the final eight of a Grand Slam event for the first time in her career.
Despite her past two Australian Open campaigns ending in the second round, tennis enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting her breakthrough this year.
Shang Juncheng (ATP 142nd)
The 17-year-old made history as the first Chinese mainland male player to win a match in the main draw of the Australian Open last year. Shang's performance at the ATP Hong Kong Tennis Open is eye-catching earlier this year, as he consecutively defeated top-50 players, including the 16th-ranked American Frances Tiafoe.
Zhu Lin (WTA 33rd)
In 2023, Zhu achieved a significant milestone in her career. Making it to the round of 16 in the women's singles, she became the sixth Chinese mainland player to reach this stage at the Australian Open and the seventh to do so in any Grand Slam event.
Wang Xinyu (WTA singles 34th, doubles 22nd)
Wang made significant breakthrough in 2023 as she excelled in both singles and doubles. In singles, she impressed the tennis world by reaching the round of 16 at the US Open, while in the doubles, Wang partnered with Hsieh Su-wei to clinch the French Open doubles title.
Wang Xiyu (WTA 62nd)
Her left-handed prowess has left a lasting impact on the court. Having participated in the Australian Open twice before, her stellar run continued at the Guangzhou Open, where she dominated the final against top seed Magda Linette, securing her first-ever career singles title.
Yuan Yue (WTA 73rd)
Yuan secured a thrilling victory over Elise Mertens at the 2023 China Open, marking her first career win against a top-30 player and her maiden WTA1000 main draw triumph.
Bai Zhuoxuan (WTA 87th)
The rising star made a memorable debut in the Wimbledon last year by defeating Ysaline Bonaventure in the first round, securing her first Grand Slam win and an impressive triumph over a top-100 opponent.
Wang Yafan (WTA 97th)
Wang has climbed from outside the top-400 in the past year to the top 100, and she looks to maintain her upward trajectory this season.
In addition, qualifiers Bu Yunchaokete, Ma Yexin, You Xiaodi and Wei Sijia are determined to earn their spots in the main draw and make their presence felt in this year's Australian Open. ■