Zhang Zhizhen, China's highest-ranked male player in history, earned his first Wimbledon main-draw victory in his third appearance on Monday. The 27-year-old reached the semi-finals in Halle and now looks to build upon his grass-court success at the All England Club, where he faces Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round.
At the season's third major, ATPTour.com sat down with the No. 38 player in the PIF ATP Rankings to discuss his earliest Wimbledon memories and his ambitions for this year's edition of The Championships.
What is your first memory of watching Wimbledon?
That was Roger against Roddick, 16-14 [in the fifth set]. That’s the one. At the end, I was falling asleep because I was in China. [I was watching] in our club.
What is your first memory of playing at Wimbledon?
The first time I passed the qualies in 2021. The first time I played at Wimbledon, right away passed the qualies to the main site. In the end, since that, I’ve lost every single match. So that would be a good memory to stop! I will change that!
When you first played at Wimbledon, what were your early thoughts about the atmosphere?
I was thinking it was a little bit different. Especially qualies from the main-draw site, it’s always different. Still for me, I don’t think it’s winning a match at Wimbledon if it’s from the qualies site [in Roehampton].
Do you have a favourite court?
I wish I could play on Centre Court! I’d prefer in the second or third round, not in the first round please!
What is your favourite Wimbledon tradition?
Actually I like all the people wearing white. It looks better. I remember this view from the top and you see all the players in white on a grass court, it’s pretty nice. If it’s blue, red, some other colours, maybe you don’t feel it’s as beautiful. It was a good view. You just have to see who's who, if you see the swing or somehow, it’s tough.
What is your favourite thing about playing on grass?
With my serve, I can get even more points. More than any other surface. Grass you can [dive] a little. I’ve never tried, but always in my mind is, 'When I can, try to jump to get the point'.
Are there a lot of Chinese fans at Wimbledon?
It’s far away from China. Especially compared to the Australian Open, it’s much less. But I still believe there’s more Chinese people. Last few years I played Wimbledon and I remember near the court, Chinese people all around there.
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