History-maker Zhang, who plays Djokovic at United Cup, aiming higher in 2024

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History was made by Zhang Zhizhen in 2023.

The 27-year-old started the year at No. 99 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and struggled in the early months, winning just one of his first seven matches at all levels. However, success quickly came, with Zhang becoming the first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-finalist from China when he reached the last eight in Madrid in May. He overcame Taylor Fritz in the fourth round for his first Top 10 win.

He then rose to No. 52 in July, the highest position ever held by a man from the East Asian country. He advanced to the quarter-finals in Eastbourne in June and the semi-finals at the ATP 500 in Hamburg in July.

It was a special moment for Zhang, who is eager to climb higher.

“I had a couple matches I could have won [to go] into the Top 50, which is the goal I wish will come soon,” Zhang said. “But in that moment, I was still very [much] enjoying it because [I was] making history.”

Encouraged by that achievement, the World No. 58 defeated Casper Ruud en route to the third round at the US Open, becoming the first Chinese man to beat a Top 5 opponent.

“I think I kept my same level and [can] now improve a bit more and be patient. Because [2023], the second part of the year, was quite successful for me,” Zhang said on recent achievements. “Normally [the] beginning of the year is always a problem, is always some issue to me because I am always losing quite a lot of matches. [At the start of 2023], I couldn't win a match and couldn't find a feeling on court.

“I now have three months I can improve my [ranking] a lot, so it is a big chance. Then try to be patient and try to be whole year at the same level.”

Zhang is playing for China at the United Cup this week and made a fast start to the season, earning victory against Jiri Lehecka in his opening match. His win lifted him to No. 50 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. The 27-year-old will end 2023 on Sunday when he takes on World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Group E.

The Serbian praised Zhang and Chinese tennis ahead of his first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting against the World No. 58.

“It's really nice, as a tennis player, seeing how popular tennis is in China, and I think Zhang now is probably the most successful Chinese male player of all time,” Djokovic said.

“That's great because we want to see the men's tennis in China picking up. They are a strong team, very strong team.”

Zhang will need to be at his very best if he is to cause 98-time tour-level titlist Djokovic problems inside RAC Arena. If he can earn the biggest win of his career, Zhang is projected to fly further into the Top 50 in the Peppersone ATP Live Rankings.

Determined to break more Chinese records, Zhang is one to watch in 2024.

“I want to make more history and then to [gain] a higher ranking,” Zhang said. “Because China fans are waiting all the time. I would like to bring all the best to them.”