China Open Men’s Singles: Zhang Zhiwen Plays Injured, Loses Debut Match Against Fokina and Exits Regretfully

2024 China Open has kicked off enthusiastically, with Chinese player Zhang Zhiwen making his debut against Spanish player Fokina.

In the first game of the first set, the two fought to a 40-40 tie. Despite Zhang Zhiwen repeatedly challenging his opponent, he lost the first game. In the second game, Zhang Zhiwen failed to hold serve, and in the third game, he was unable to break. In the fourth game, Zhang Zhiwen regrouped and completed the hold. In the fifth game, Zhang Zhiwen fought harder, using flexible front and back court tactics that Fokina could not handle, achieving a break.

However, Fokina then broke and held serve, taking the first set 6-3, leaving Zhang Zhiwen trailing 0-1.

In the second set, Zhang Zhiwen’s form and serving improved, completing multiple holds. The score reached 5-4, with Zhang Zhiwen leading, and Fokina had to hold serve. Zhang Zhiwen performed steadily, continuously getting set points and applying pressure on his opponent. Eventually, Zhang Zhiwen seized the opportunity to break, leveling the match at 1-1.

In the decisive set, Zhang Zhiwen made frequent errors and lost the first two games. In the third game, Zhang Zhiwen narrowly held serve, but in the fourth game, he failed to break, with Fokina leading 3-1. In the fifth game, Zhang Zhiwen served several aces and easily held serve.

Afterwards, Fokina won three consecutive games, leaving no room for error in Zhang Zhiwen’s service games. Ultimately, Zhang Zhiwen, playing injured, couldn’t withstand the pressure and lost his service game, dropping the deciding set 3-6. Fokina won 2-1 and advanced to the next round.