Serving up success

Wonderful Wu

Leading the men's surge alongside Zhang was Wu Yibing, who became the first Chinese player to win an ATP tour-level singles title, at the Dallas Open in February, and reached a career-high ranking of No 54 in May.

Despite a left-foot injury that slowed him down late in the season, Wu is raring to build on his breakthrough year in 2024.

"Not quite a happy ending, but 2023 was a great year that left me with so many beautiful memories," the 24-year-old former US Open boys' title winner said on Weibo after undergoing surgery on his injured foot in October.

"Coming back from the injury, I'm looking forward to a stronger campaign in the new season," added Wu, who announced on Dec 23 that he will now work with new coach Wayne Ferreira, a former world No 6 of South Africa.

With Zhang and Wu leading the charge, it might not be too long before others follow.

Teenager Shang Juncheng, once the world's top-ranked junior, fought through qualifying to reach the main draw at last year's Australian Open to mark the first time three Chinese men had competed at a major together. They repeated the feat at the French Open.

"Those two guys, they are definitely my inspiration," admitted 18-year-old Shang. "They've been on the tour longer than me and are way more experienced than me."

Zhang, as the oldest of the trio, reckons the men's rise has only just begun.

"Right now, it's the three of us, but perhaps in the future, we might have four or even five. I hope to see more Chinese players participating in the main draw," said Zhang, who reached world No 52 in July, an all-time ATP high for a Chinese mainland player.