In the 2023/2024 Tennis Federation Cup group stage, the Chinese team participated for the first time to create a surprise! Facing the Czech team, the first opponent in the group stage, the first brother Zhang Zhizhen and the first sister Zheng Qinwen lived up to expectations, both performed from the bottom to the top, leading the team to a 3-0 victory and setting a new record together. Today, China faces a life-or-death battle against Serbia. The battle between Zhang Zhizhen and Djokovic becomes the focus.
This is the first time that the Chinese team competes in the Confederations Cup. They are in Group E with the Czech Republic and Serbia. The first place in the 6 groups and the 2 best second places are shortlisted for the top 8. Zhang Zhizhen played against Lehka, ranked 31st in the world, in the first set. The first set was tied at 5 and lost two games in a row. The Chinese No. 1 brother quickly rose up and fought back 6-3, 6-4 to win two games in a row. Zheng Qinwen then played against Wimbledon champion Vondrousova, playing 3 sets with two 6-1 scores, overturning the world No. 7. In the final mixed doubles match, Zhang Zhizhen partnered with Zheng Qinwen and defeated their opponents 2-0 in a quick decision. The Chinese team won 3-0.
After this battle, Zhang Zhizhen's latest world ranking rose 8 places, from 58th to 50th, creating a career high. Zheng Qinwen's ranking also reached 13th for the first time, setting a new record. Zhang Zhizhen is 27 years old, and Zheng Qinwen is a rising star born in the 2000s. The two are currently on the rise in their careers, and their futures are unlimited.
Today, the Chinese team faces a life-and-death battle with Serbia. At 17 o'clock, Zhang Zhizhen played against Djokovic. This was also the first time that China's No. 1 brother met the world's No. 1 in an official match. Then Zheng Qinwen played against Danilovic. In the final mixed doubles match, Zhang Zhizhen paired up with Zheng Qinwen again, and Djokovic/Djokovic. Nilovich vs. Even if the Chinese team cannot win, it still needs to score at least 1 point to have a chance to reach the top 8.
