India Breaking News reported Chinese player At 2023 French Open, where Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen made headlines by becoming the first Chinese male player to advance to the second round of a French Grand Slam event in 77 years, following his victory over Dusan Lajovic. Lajovic retired after falling behind 6-1, 4-1 due to gastrointestinal issues.

Zhang Zhizhen and Zhang Shuai are among the Chinese players spotlighted in this year’s French Open. While Zhang Shuai was eliminated early, Zhang Zhizhen’s achievement marks a significant milestone, not seen since Ke Xinyu reached the third round in 1937. This year, three Chinese men participated in the main draw, the first occurrence since 1937. Shang Juncheng, another participant, faced Juan Pablo Varillas but despite a strong start, he ultimately lost 4-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 after battling for over three and a half hours. Wu Yibin also competed but was defeated by Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6, 6-1, 6-1.

2023 French Open

Reflecting on his historic win, 26-year-old Shanghai native Zhang Zhizhen, ranked 71st globally, highlighted the significance of perseverance and maintaining a grounded approach to achieve more victories in the future. He expressed hope that he and his fellow Chinese male players could someday match the accomplishments of their female counterparts, such as Li Na, the 2014 Australian Open champion and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Peng Shuai, who once topped the WTA doubles rankings and reached the US Open singles semifinals.

Peng Shuai’s situation drew international attention when she disappeared after accusing senior Chinese government officials of sexual assault in 2021, leading the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to initially cancel all tournaments in China, although this decision was later reversed.

On the women’s side, Zheng Qinwen continued her competition in the singles event, defeating Tamara Zidansek 6-3, 6-1. In contrast, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk faced Aryna Sabalenka but refused to shake hands with the Belarusian player due to the ongoing conflict involving their countries. Kostyuk, a vocal critic of the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian players on the tour following the invasion of Ukraine, has maintained her stance of not shaking hands with players from those countries, a decision that has previously drawn media attention, such as during her encounter with Victoria Azarenka at the U.S. Open.

Zhang Zhizhen and Zhang Shuai

Following her match, Sabalenka addressed the crowd at Philippe Chatrier Stadium, acknowledging the booing and expressing gratitude for their support, despite the challenging circumstances surrounding the match. She stated that she understood Kostyuk’s feelings and could handle the animosity directed towards her.

India Breaking News Chinese player At 2023 French Open

The developments at this year’s French Open not only highlight significant athletic achievements but also the complex interplay of sportsmanship, politics, and personal convictions that continue to shape the landscape of international tennis.