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Wu’s comeback and homecoming in Hangzhou
The 24-year-old received an ATP Challenger Tour title in solely his second outing of the 12 months
September 18, 2024
Jinan Open
Wu Yibing has participated in solely 4 tournaments in any respect ranges this 12 months.
By Grant Thompson
Wu Yibing was about 14 years outdated when he observed a wierd swelling on his left foot. The on-and-off ache was the results of a minor fracture that didn’t require fast surgical procedure, however medical doctors suggested that it will possible should be handled sooner or later.
After practically a decade of ready, Wu opted for surgical procedure late final 12 months. It was a tricky second for the Chinese language star who was within the type of his life. A fierce competitor with a fiery forehand, Wu triumphed on the Dallas Open to turn into China’s sole ATP Tour titleholder in February 2023. He later reached a career-high No. 54 within the PIF ATP Rankings.
However shortly after the US Open, Wu needed to finish his dream 12 months prematurely.
“I felt prefer it was actually bothering me final 12 months after the grass season. Possibly the change of the floor and likewise the footwear, I did not actually really feel used to it,” Wu instructed ATPTour.com on the Hangzhou Open, the place he’s competing in entrance of his house followers this week. “So I began feeling it extra after the grass and that is why I made a decision to do the surgical procedure after the US Open.”
Because the surgical procedure, Wu has solely performed in a single ATP Tour occasion (Houston this 12 months). He then missed one other 4 and a half months. Wu was out of motion from March 2019 to January 2022 resulting from varied accidents, together with issues together with his elbow, which required surgical procedure, his decrease again, shoulder and wrist.
“I feel the tougher components of life at all times educate you one thing. I feel we will all take these components as motivation,” Wu stated. “Mentally, I will likely be even stronger due to the issues I’ve [been] by. It is not simple for everybody.”
Wu’s newest comeback bought off to a optimistic begin, successful his fifth ATP Challenger Tour title in August in Jinan, China, in solely his second outing of the 12 months.
“That was actually particular. I really feel just like the work I put in earlier than I began enjoying once more was price it,” Wu stated. “A number of follow, lots of effort exterior of tournaments. A number of work within the health club. Hopefully all of it comes collectively, [I can] be wholesome and play good tennis once more.”
Wu Yibing triumphs at the ATP Challenger Tour 50 event in Jinan. Credit: Jinan Open
For many Chinese fans, this year’s Asian hardcourt competition will be the first time they’ll see Wu in person since his meteoric rise in 2023.
Wu, who plays in his hometown of Hangzhou this week, is making his first ATP Tour appearance on Chinese soil since 2018. It is a great homecoming for the world number 566.
“I was driving by West Lake a few days ago and the facility was there. It brings me back. Lots of good memories,” Wu said. “As a young boy, four or five years old, I was playing with regular rackets, cleaning the floor!”
Nine months into the season, wildcard player Wu will be aiming for his first tour-level win of the year when he takes on #NextGenATP Coleman Wong in the first round.