For many Chinese tennis fans, seeing Wu Yibing tearing around the court with lightning speed, impeccable touch and never-say-die mentality seemed like a dream, too good to be true.
Wu Yibing became the first Chinese mainland player to lift an ATP Tour trophy after winning the Dallas Open title on Feb 12.
比赛结束后,吴易昺承包了热搜。大家不仅认识了这个人,还多认识了一个字——昺(bǐng)。
昺(bǐng),意指明亮、光明。此时的吴易昺也正像一束光,照进中国网球,闪闪发亮。
The last character of Wu's given name, bing, means light in Chinese. Now, the 23-year-old, just like a beam of light, flashes into Chinese tennis.
The 23-year-old endured 44 aces from host player John Isner and saved four championship points to achieve a history-making 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (12) victory. Wu had already reached the milestone on Feb 11 by becoming the first Chinese mainland player to enter an ATP Tour final in the Open Era.
"It was a very tough match today. I'm facing, I don't know, 100 aces. It's a good thing he has this $100 thing, this makes more kids happy. I will take credit for that, because I’m not even moving when he serves."
"I made history here for my country and for my home," beamed Wu at the on-court trophy ceremony. "I'm very proud of myself and especially thanks to all the fans and my team who came here to support. I couldn't do this without any of you guys."
"It's like he plays every point the same, so definitely no nerves," said Isner about Wu's performance. "He gets a ball to hit, he hits it, and on this court it's hard to hit him a shot he is uncomfortable with. He is an unbelievable ball striker and a very good talent."
Affected by injuries and the pandemic, Wu hardly played any international matches across a two-year span. He also had elbow surgery and still cannot straighten his right arm completely.When Wu went abroad to compete at the beginning of the current season, his world ranking stood below 1740th.
"We all have to go through setbacks before we grow up. The injuries and miseries of my life help adjust my perspectives to my career as well as my life," he added.
Wu summed up the mood best when he reflected on his breakthrough in the post-game press conference later in the day.
"I think it's not only about winning the title, it's more about me personally making history and also for the country. That's huge for the next generation," he observed.
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