China’s Zhang Zhizhen ends historic run at Shanghai Masters

In a late-night saga that stretched well beyond the midnight hours on Wednesday, Zhang Zhizhen’s groundbreaking journey at the Shanghai Masters reached an abrupt conclusion. This captivating tie unfolded with a mesmerizing ebb and flow of momentum, showcasing the artistry of shot-making and an extraordinary reservoir of energy that wowed the spectators at the Qizhong Tennis Center. 

For a duration exceeding two hours and 40 minutes, the unseeded Zhang and Poland’s 16th-seeded Hubert Hurkacz engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging relentless baseline rallies that pushed their physical prowess to the brink. The two rising stars masterfully tested their agility and exhibited patient exchanges, traversing every corner of the court in an enthralling display of skill and strategy. 

Ultimately, Hurkacz summoned his utmost brilliance in the crucial tie-break, edging out Zhang 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(4), thereby depriving the 26-year-old of a triumph that would have propelled him to becoming the first ever player from the Chinese mainland to enter the prestigious top 50 in the global rankings.

“We were both giving it all out there, leaving everything,” said Hurkacz during the on-court interview. “Hopefully the fans enjoyed the match because I think that was a really high level. If you just left a little bit of space out there, you’re running and fighting from behind.” 

Amid the familiar surroundings of his home soil, Zhang had already inscribed his name in the chronicles of tennis history on Sunday. By outclassing the Next Gen ATP Finals champion Brandon Nakashima, he became the first Chinese player to reach the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters. 

It caps a breakthrough season for Zhang, whose voyage has been one filled with an awe-inspiring array of “firsts.” To begin, he was the very first men’s singles player from the Chinese mainland to seize victory at the prestigious French Open.  

Not stopping there, he continued to cement his legacy by becoming the first male player from the Chinese mainland to earn a coveted spot in the main draw of Wimbledon during the Open era. 

Breaking barriers further, he was the first representative from the Chinese mainland to reach the fourth round of a Masters 1000 event. Adding to his remarkable list of accomplishments, he blazed a trail by becoming the first male tennis singles winner at the Asian Games from the Chinese mainland in 29 years.

Later in the day, U.S. Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton rallied from a one-set deficit to vanquish the formidable sixth seed, Jannik Sinner 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). This triumph lifted Shelton into the quarterfinals, marking one of the most significant victories of his burgeoning career. 

Fresh off his final victory at the China Open in Beijing, Sinner asserted his dominance by claiming the opening set with a precisely executed smash. However, Shelton experienced a metamorphosis in the second set, clinching it with a thunderous ace. With an immediate surge of intensity, he applied relentless pressure on Sinner, eventually emerging as the deserving victor. 

As Sheldon just celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday, the entire crowd sang him a birthday song after his win. “I’m really happy to be a part of this lively atmosphere today,” beamed the American youngster. “It’s a slightly belated but wonderful gift for my 21st birthday. I really enjoy it here, and I want to express my gratitude to the Shanghai audience for their applause and recognition.”