Yibing Wu 'updates' in Shanghai

Fernando Murciego | 4 Oct 2024 | 07.00

Yibing Wu celebrating his first victory in Shanghai. Source: Getty

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When Yibing Wu became the champion of ATP 250 in Dallas last year, becoming the first Chinese man to conquer an individual professional title, everyone was excited about his promising future. We later saw him achieve victories in Indian Wells, Miami, Rome, and debut in the main draws of each Grand Slam. However, his defeat against Alex De Miñaur in the second round was not the worst thing he took from the US Open. A serious foot injury forced him to conclude his season and not return until April, abruptly halting his progress.

In April, things did not go well, suffering a setback that would keep him sidelined until August. The summer brought the best news for the Chinese player: champion at the Jinan Challenger, the first event he participated in. Disappointments followed: losses in the first round of the next three tournaments. Riding a wave of ups and downs, he made it to the Shanghai Masters 1000, where he received a wildcard from the organization. This is when the magic happened, a victory over India's Nagal that once again put him back in the spotlight, ending a streak that had made us forget about him.

"I am happy to have made history again," Yibing laughed during a press conference. "I didn't know any of these stats, I didn't know that I hadn't won an official match since the US Open, but you're right, though it's true that I didn't play much. It feels great to be back. I remember my first time at this tournament 5-6 years ago when I was still fighting to leave behind my junior days and start playing ATP matches. It feels fantastic to have returned and also to have won a match in front of all these people," said the man who once reached #54 in the world.

Today, his present is far from that ranking; Wu currently holds the #560 position in the ranking. A minor issue considering the ordeal he went through with his foot. "I had some acute health problems, now we are preparing everything to avoid further injuries in the future, although we don't have a 100% guarantee that this will happen, but that's how we approach it. I don't want to talk too much about my injuries, but it's evident that to be a professional tennis player, I need good physical condition to support my game. My team is helping me a lot; we are trying to study everything we can do," emphasized the 24-year-old.

In addition to his classic sense of humor, Wu exudes overflowing charisma. Only he would think of signing the camera with 'F5' after defeating Sumit Nagal with a double 6-3. The message is clear: it's time to 'update' his career, refresh a page filled with absences, and embark on a new chapter where his physicality complements his tennis. It is the only way for his name to resonate strongly alongside those of Zhizhen Zhang, Jerry Shang, and Bu Yunchaokete, the three compatriots currently leading China within the top 100.

"It's clear that I have faced more setbacks than the rest of my colleagues, but I don't dwell on that. I'm pondering why I can't play my tennis like others or compete every week… but we will find the solution. My team and I are trying; everyone around me is putting in their best efforts. We are confident that we will succeed. I need to strengthen my physique, especially in this successful period for Chinese players," asserts the Hangzhou native.

A LEGEND IN HIS CORNER

The journey has not been easy since that title in Dallas, filled with unforgettable moments and others more bitter related to an injury that seemed incurable. Fortunately, he hasn't walked this path alone, always accompanied by his family, friends, and a technical team led by a legend of the circuit. Marcos Baghdatis, the finalist of the 2006 Australian Open and former world No. 8, is the man who has been coaching Yibing since last season, demonstrating the faith he has in the Chinese player and how willing he is to weather whatever storms may come.

"My favorite player has always been Marcos Baghdatis," the Asian player quipped to the press with a laugh. "The first time I watched tennis live was here in 2005 or 2006, the year Nalbandian made those finals, but Marcos didn't come that year. He was on the poster; I still have it at home, kept in an old shoebox. Obviously, I was joking; he wasn't my favorite player, but now he has become my coach and has helped me a lot during this time. He was always there trying to help. I even went to Cyprus for two weeks and met his family, so I would like to thank him for everything he is doing for me, for not giving up on this project in these tough times," expressed the right-hander with humility.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Yibing Wu se "actualiza" en Shanghái