Zhang wins his first match on his comeback from a 6-month break, actually looked pretty sharp and seems in better form than before the break. Identical script as Zhou's win yesterday losing the first set TB after wasting SP on return in set 1, and then saving MPs at 4-5 in the decider. Pretty good level by both guys in the rematch from last year's SF, only one break and both won over 80% points on 1st serve. Bu is defending a lot of points these two weeks, hopefully he can do something with his wildcard in Beijing next week.

 

Like both players but very very happy for Zhang

 

I woke up & the match was still going on. In the end, Zhang has bigger, more consistent weapons. And it showed. He's been higher ranked and you can tell. The ability to get free points on serve remains a crucial element of the game. ZzZ aced his way out of trouble throughout & in the 3rd set, made Bu play his brand of baseline tennis. Zhangalang knew Bu wouldn't come forward correctly & couldn't outhit from the back. If Boo thang wishes to make inroads to Top 50 like Zizi, he needs to improve his serve, & develop a more consistent net game. Fun match!

 

I've always watched Zhang and wondered why he hasn't really broken through? Seems like he has an incredibly complete game.

 

Zhang was ranked in the 40s & on his way up until injuries took him & Jerrycurl Shang out. In late 2024, they both over-invested in the Asian 250s & then had nothing left for the rest of the season. Shanging won Chengdu, but Zhangly fell to the bigger weaponry of Slam winner, Marinade.

After Hangzhou '24 loss, Zzz was tired & played like it during the rest of the swing. Respective shoulder & foot problems that became evident back then resurfaced for both players early in 2025 putting most of the season on ice.

Buttress carried the mantle for Chinese men's tennis all '25 season long only to not so promptly get brushed aside by Zhang once he was fit again. This, coupled with the memory of their SF battle in 2024, is what made the match so compelling. Bu keeps trying to use Asia 250s as a launching pad for breaking through. It kinda worked last year, but he's got to improve his serve & net game if he wants Top 50.