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CHINA OPEN


September 25, 2025


Zhu Lin


Beijing, China

Press Conference


ZHU LIN/M. Uchijima

6-1, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Zhu Lin, congratulations on your win today. We'll start with questions in English.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about the match today and your level, just how you are feeling coming back to China Open.

ZHU LIN: As you know, I didn't play last year the China season because of the injury. I'm really happy that I was able to play this year, especially in Beijing. I mean, it's a special tournament for me. Especially against Moyuka, we practice in the same club. We know each other so well. We basically practiced like every day in Guangzhou.

I mean, today for me, I really get into the game very quick. I was able to find my rhythm. Yeah, the first set went well and quick. I know it's not going to be like this. She start to play well in the second set. We had a lot of rallies. I had to really focus on my service game and really focus on the decisions on every point.

I'm really happy with the result.

Q. Do you find it difficult playing somebody you know very well, you've played with and against so much, somebody you maybe regard as a friend?

ZHU LIN: I don't know. But just for me play against someone you know very well, that means you don't need to do a lot of homework because you know her game style already (smiling). You just need to focus on the day, your performance, how you're going to prepare for this match, yeah.

Q. What are your thoughts on how different the site, the venue, the facilities seem this year compared to years past? What has really stood out to you in terms of what they've invested in?

ZHU LIN: I mean, the tournament is just getting better and better each year. Especially have, like, new practice courts. They upgrade the restaurant. The food is amazing. I mean, back home and have lot of Chinese food just give me more energy, yeah (laughter). Sorry, I just put so much focus on the food. It was really well.

Yeah, they have lot of space for the warm-up and recovery. They did really good job of taking care of the players.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Chinese.

Q. It's been a long time since the Asian Games. Compared to 2023, what kind of changes do you observe in yourself?

ZHU LIN: I'm not trying to seek the old self, the old version of me. The most important thing is to assess my current status, to adjust myself. I focus on my own health, my body.

I think compared to the past, I am more relaxed. I'm trying to enjoy more. Instead of trying to seek a certain goal, trying to reach a certain level of performance or ranking, I do not look at those things anymore. I will just look at each match, how to enjoy each game.

Q. In the match today, you brought a notebook. You were flipping through the notebook during the match. Could you share any notes in this notebook?

ZHU LIN: Did you only observe today (laughter)? I have this notebook in every match.

It has some scribbles from my husband. Opponents' stats. Some encouraging words from my husband. How to adjust my mentality. Just some encouraging messages.

If I'm not clear enough, I will just look at the notebook to look at these reminders so I can be focused in the match.

Yes, it's all from my husband.

Q. During Wimbledon or the French Open, you said you will stop playing if you no longer qualify in the quallies. Do you feel that you're closer to the 2026 season?

ZHU LIN: It feels closer to the Australian Open. I hope that I have more work in 2026. I'm so happy at this stage. It's not something I have to accomplish. I just play along to see how long I can play in my career. I'll just wait for time to make the decision.

Q. What is your view on your opponent in the second round, Andreeva?

ZHU LIN: I hope that the next match will be happening on the Diamond Court because it's very special compared to other courts. I'm looking forward to the next match. I hope I can bring out the next performance.

Q. Your opponent?

ZHU LIN: My opponent? We never played before. I watched her matches. I see a lot of potential in her. She, of course, is improving, progressing.

The most important thing is to focus on my health, to improve and practice.

Q. When we were interviewing Zhang Shuai, she said she is enjoying more on court. You also mentioned you are feeling more relaxed. Players are always saying they are trying to enjoy the matches. Can you talk about that in more specifics?

ZHU LIN: I would say we're not only aging with time... I don't know. I don't know what Shuai is feeling on court.

To me, when I first started I had many goals to accomplish. There's so many things I wanted to do. When I faced those critical moments, I felt a lot of pressure, I felt nervous.

As I age, I have gained a lot and also lost a lot. Sometimes I just realize we don't always get what we want. I will just focus on if I have done 100%. Sometimes I did my best, but my opponent might be better. I will not be too harsh on myself.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

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