Zhang Zhizhen made his debut at the Rome Masters on Tuesday, but his stay lasted just 2 hours and 25 minutes before he exited with a heavy sigh from fans and followers.
As the only Chinese man in the main draw, Zhang arrived in Rome aiming to protect his ranking points. Despite being drawn against German world No. 64 Maximilian Marterer—considered a tough first-round opponent—there was optimism that Zhang would end his three-match losing streak on the ATP Tour and rediscover his form.
The former Chinese No. 1 started strongly, taking the first set 6-4 with an early break, igniting hopes of an upset. In the second set, he built a 5-3 lead and held two match points on his own serve. However, Marterer fought back tenaciously, breaking Zhang’s serve for the match. That game proved to be the turning point.
After saving the break, the German grew in confidence, winning the second-set tiebreak 7-3 to level the match. In the deciding set, Marterer capitalized on Zhang’s missed opportunity, breaking early and closing out a 6-4 win.
Fans were left frustrated not only by the blown lead but also by the fact that Marterer had shown visible frustration, even smashing his racket, during the second set. One veteran analyst noted that Zhang’s hesitation in attack and reliance on opponent errors cost him dearly.
With his 30th birthday approaching, Zhang’s ranking continues to slide outside the Top 200. His protected ranking entries are limited, and time is running out to reverse the trend.
While Zhang’s exit was disappointing, Chinese tennis found a bright spot in Istanbul. Fifteen-year-old Sun Xinran, making her senior debut on a wildcard at the WTA 125 event, delivered a stunning first-round victory.
Ranked No. 746, Sun faced world No. 191 Lina Gjorcheska. After a 6-4 first set, the Macedonian fought back to take the second 6-4. But the Chinese teenager held her nerve, breaking decisively to win the decider 6-4.
The win marks a breakthrough for China’s next generation, with many already calling for Sun to accelerate her development and prepare for bigger stages.
