When Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters due to injury, Zhang Zhizhen seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—and turned it into a milestone for Chinese tennis. The 27-year-old became the first player from the Chinese mainland to compete in the main draw of the ATP 1000 clay-court tournament, and he didn’t stop there.
Facing off against America’s Marcos Giron, Zhang delivered a thrilling performance that had fans on the edge of their seats. After a grueling three-set battle (6-4, 3-6, 6-3), he clinched victory, etching his name into the record books as the first from the Chinese mainland to advance to the second round.
“This win means everything,” Zhang said post-match, his determination echoing across the court. His triumph isn’t just personal—it’s a giant leap for Chinese men’s tennis, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Next up? A showdown with 13th-seeded Hubert Hurkacz. Stay tuned—Zhang’s Cinderella story is just getting started.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
The 27-year-old became the first player from the Chinese mainland to compete in the main draw of the ATP 1000 clay-court tournament, and he didn’t stop there.
