ZJU’s WU Yibing upsets John Isner to claim history-making ATP Tour title

WU Yibing, an undergraduate student at the Zhejiang University School of Public Affairs, made history again!

Wu became the first Chinese player to win an ATP Tour title, rallying in a three-set, all-tiebreaker thriller to beat John Isner at the Dallas Open on February 12.

Wu overcame 44 aces from the big-serving Isner and four match points in the 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (12) victory to claim his first ATP title. He was the first Chinese mainland player to lift an ATP Tour trophy. He will climb into the top 60 of the ATP rankings this week.

“Thanks to all the fans who came here to support me. There is a lot more to come in Chinese men’s tennis. We will dazzle you with our better performance. Thank you very much,” WU said in Chinese during the trophy ceremony.

This is not the first time that WU has made history. In 2022, he shaved 1000 places off his ranking to make his long-awaited Grand Slam debut at the US Open. His third-round run marked another Open era first for Chinese men’s tennis.

“Every match that our young generation of Chinese players win and everything we experience are what our predecessors have never done. My current ranking is the highest for Chinese men’s tennis. Every step I take will be a new step for Chinese men’s tennis. I also have this responsibility. I hope that I will make more contributions to Chinese men’s tennis step by step,” WU once said.

Photo credit: 微博@ATP巡回赛