Features Player
Wu’s return and Hangzhou’s return home
The 24-year-old won an ATP Challenger Tour title in just his second outing of the year
September 18, 2024
Jinan Open
Wu Yibing has entered just four tournaments at all levels this year.
Written by Grant Thompson
Wu Yibing was about 14 years old when he noticed an unusual swelling on his left foot. The on-and-off pain was the result of a minor fracture that did not require immediate surgery, but doctors advised that it would likely require treatment in the future.
After waiting for nearly ten years, Wu opted for surgery late last year. It was a difficult moment for the Chinese star who was in the form of his life. An aggressive competitor with an aggressive forehand, Wu won the Dallas Open to become China’s number one ATP Tour singles in February 2023. He later reached a career high of No. 54 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
But just after the US Open, Wu was forced to end his dream year early.
“I felt like it hurt me a lot last year after the grass season. Maybe it’s the outside change and the shoes, I didn’t feel used to it,” Wu told ATPTour.com at the Hangzhou Open, where he competes in front of his home fans this week. “So I started to feel it after the grass and that’s why I decided to have surgery after the US Open.”
Since the surgery, Wu has only competed in one ATP Tour event (Houston this year). He then missed another four and a half months. Wu did not compete from March 2019 until January 2022 due to multiple injuries, including problems with his elbow, which required surgery, his lower back, shoulder and wrist.
“I think the hard parts of life always teach you something. I think we can all take these parts as inspiration,” said Wu. “Mentally I will be stronger because of the things I have [been] by using It’s not easy for everyone.”
Wu’s recent comeback proved to be a good start. He soon won his fifth ATP Challenger Tour title in August in Jinan, China. It was his second outing of the year.
“That was very special. “I feel that the work I did before I started playing was worth it,” said Wu. “A lot of training, a lot of hard work outside of competitions. Lots of work in the gym. I hope everything can come together, [I can] be healthy and play good tennis again.”
2024 Jinan Open.”>
Wu Yibing wins the ATP Challenger Tour 50 event in Jinan. Credit: Jinan Open
For many Chinese fans, this year’s Asian swing marks the first time they’ve watched Wu in person since his rapid rise in 2023.
Competing this week in his hometown of Hangzhou, Wu is making his first ATP Tour appearance on Chinese soil since 2018. It’s a great homecoming for the World No. 566.
“I actually drove by West Lake a few days ago and the place was there. It takes me back. There are many good memories,” said Wu. “I was a child, four or five years old, playing with regular rackets, which cleaned the floor!”
Nine months into the season, wild card Wu will aim for his first tour-level win of the year when he faces #NextGenATP Coleman Wong in the first round.
Source link
