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Zhang Zhizhen's indomitable spirit shone bright on a dramatic day at the US Open, as he battled back from the brink of defeat to secure a memorable victory against home favorite J.J. Wolf. The Chinese sensation, often referred to as 'Triple Z,' demonstrated an unwavering resilience that has become emblematic of his journey through the tennis ranks.
The unfolding saga at Flushing Meadows bore eerie echoes of past heartbreaks for Zhang. Just over a year ago, during the 2022 US Open, he let slip seven match points against Tim van Rijthoven, and in this year's Australian Open, a solitary match point eluded him against Ben Shelton, who later advanced to the quarter-finals.
However, rather than letting these near-misses define him, Zhang viewed them as opportunities for growth. Speaking candidly, he shared, “Those tough matches, when you lose, there are actually so many things you can learn and so many things you can improve, which just makes you stronger." Dismissed by some as having a fragile mental side, Zhang has consistently defied such assessments.
"I'm a tough guy, strong guy," he asserted, noting that his resolve remains unbreakable even in the face of adversity. The 26-year-old recognized that each setback held valuable lessons, insights that have contributed to his evolution as a player and as a person.
"Especially when you lose those [matches], you know how to deal with it," he mused.
Zhang's Grit Secures Stunning Five-Set Victory
In a five-set thriller against Wolf, Zhang refused to be denied once more. Although the momentum swung precariously and he squandered a sizable lead, his nerve held firm, ultimately clinching a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5, 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-3 triumph.
Reflecting on his comeback, Zhang remarked, "I'm super happy that I didn't give up in that moment." Amidst the fluctuations of the match, Zhang's mental fortitude came to the forefront. Rather than succumbing to doubt, he retreated off-court briefly to gather his thoughts.
This tactical withdrawal enabled him to re-enter the arena with a renewed perspective. "I was believing myself. Three sets, at least I can win one set. I was pretty confident, actually," he recounted. Zhang's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges.
At the previous year's US Open, he ranked 137th and became the first Chinese male to break into the Top 100. This year, he encountered a stumbling block against Shelton in Australia, but rather than allowing it to derail his progress, he harnessed it as a catalyst for growth.
Zhang's exceptional 2023 season saw him reach a career-high ranking of No. 52 in July, a testament to his perseverance and evolution. Looking forward, Zhang's next test awaits in the form of a clash against fifth seed Casper Ruud.
Armed with the invaluable wisdom gleaned from his past encounters, Zhang is poised to continue his ascent through the ranks, fortified by an unshakable resilience that has become his defining trait.
