“Zhizhen Zhang Makes History as First Chinese Player to Reach Round of 16 at Masters 1000 in Madrid”

Zhizhen Zhang, 99th in the world, became the first Chinese player to qualify for the knockout stages of the Masters 1000 in Madrid on Monday, overthrowing Briton Cameron Norrie (13th) 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) , 7-6 (7/2).

Zhang, 26, had already become the first Chinese to earn a place in the top 100 of the ATP rankings, in October 2022. With his fine Madrid career, he is already guaranteed to climb into the top 90 on Monday, at the top of his career.

The native of Shanghai obtained at the expense of Norrie his very first victory against a player of the top 20. For a place in the quarterfinals in the Spanish capital, he will face the American Taylor Fritz, N.10 world.

A few months ago, it was another Chinese representative who entered the history books. Last February, Wu Yibing, now 57th in the world rankings, won the ATP 250 tournament in Dallas, becoming the first player from his country to conquer a title on the circuit. As a reminder, he beat John Isner (ATP 68) in the final, after saving several match points.