A record total of 11 Chinese players, including two men and nine women, are set to participate in the singles events at Wimbledon, beginning on July 1 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. This marks a significant milestone for tennis in China and reflects the country’s growing influence in the sport.
Zhang Zhizhen, making history as the first male seeded player (No. 32) from the Chinese mainland at Wimbledon, will face France’s Maxime Janvier, who advanced through qualifying rounds, in the men’s singles first round. Zhang’s seeding highlights his impressive ascent in the international rankings and the potential for Chinese men’s tennis on the global stage.
Joining him is Shang Juncheng, another rising star from the Chinese mainland. Shang will take on Cristian Garin of Chile, also a qualifier, marking his debut at Wimbledon. His participation signifies the emergence of new talent and the expanding presence of Chinese athletes in major tournaments.
In the women’s singles, Zheng Qinwen, the lone Chinese female seeded player (No. 8), is poised for a strong performance. She will compete against Lulu Sun of New Zealand in the first round. After reaching the third round at Wimbledon in 2022, Zheng aims to surpass her previous achievements. Her seeding and performance reflect the strength of Chinese women’s tennis on the world stage.
The unprecedented number of Chinese players at Wimbledon this year underscores the rapid development and investment in tennis within China. It also signals a broader trend of increasing Asian representation in international sports, inspiring young athletes across the continent.
As the tournament unfolds, global audiences will keenly watch how these players perform on the iconic grass courts of Wimbledon. Their success would not only be personal triumphs but also signify growth for tennis in Asia.
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Two Chinese seeded players to meet qualifiers in Wimbledon openers
cgtn.com
