ATP Halle: Hardcore Roger Federer Fan Zhizhen Zhang Drops Astounding Reaction Upon Making It Big on Grass
The grass is always greener on the other side, it is often said. Ask Zhizhen Zhang, who will completely agree with this. The Chinese star is having the best time of his career, reaching the last four at Halle Open. Yesterday, he defeated Americaâs Chris Eubanks in a thrilling match to make it to the semifinals. A fan of Roger Federer, Zhang has been surprised by his rise on grass.
While taking up tennis, Zhang idolized Federer and tried to follow in his footsteps. Last year, they even had a warm interaction at the Shanghai Masters when local stars, Zhang and Li Na, honored Federer after he retired from tennis. The Swiss maestro even called Zhang a future superstar in the making and the Chinese starâs recent performances will only make Federer proud.
Despite being a fan of Federer, Zhang wasnât a big fan of grass courts as Federer was. Zhang always struggled on this surface until his rise in Halle. As a result, he was surprised with his showing at the ongoing tournament in Halle. During an interview, he went on to say, âItâs really surprising. Iâm always saying I like grass but I thought my grass tennis wasnât really good. Maybe even better on clay. But I donât like the clay. But whatever.â
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Zhizhen Zhang after becoming first Chinese man to reach grass SF in the Open Era
âYouâre in your 2nd ATP SF. Are you a bit surprised that itâs on grass?â
Zhizhen: âitâs really surprising. Iâm always saying I like grass but I thought my grass tennis wasnât really good. Maybe⊠pic.twitter.com/7EUW348L6W
â The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 21, 2024
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Zhang has an aggressive and hard-hitting game, something that Federer mastered over the years. It is quite evident from the Chinese starâs game that he grew up watching the Swiss maestro and has emulated his way of playing. Further, when his dream of meeting Federer came true, Zheng had an emotional reaction.
Zhizhen Zhang âhonoredâ to stand alongside Roger FedererIn a glittery ceremony, Federer was left surprised by the reception he received in Shanghai after his retirement. The Swiss maestro was last seen here in 2019 when he reached the quarterfinals of the tournament. As a result, fans there had to wait for four years to catch a glimpse of Federer. One of the tournamentâs most successful players, Federer is a three-time winner here. As a result, local stars Zhang and Li Na gave a perfect tribute to him in front of thousands of fans.
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On the other hand, it was a dream-come-true moment for Zhang, as he got to meet and greet his boyhood hero. The Chinese star was left completely emotional and said, âFrom watching my idols play courtside to standing side-by-side with them is amazing, I feel so honored.â
Zhang will look to clinch his maiden ATP 500 title in Halle. However, it wonât be easy for him as he faces the top seed, Jannik Sinner, in the semifinals later today. Regardless of todayâs result, Zhang would be proud of his performance in Halle.
