AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 21, 2026

Michael Zheng

Press Conference

C. MOUTET/M. Zheng

3-6, 6-1, 6-3, 2-0 (ret.)

THE MODERATOR: First of all sorry, Michael. This is definitely not what you wanted to see today after the match, but can you briefly share with us what you went through and how you are feeling.

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, I mean, definitely tough, tough end to the match. Yeah, it was shaping up to be a good match. You know, split sets. I think early on in the third felt on one of the balls I think I got stretched wide or something. I felt, I don't know if it was a strain. The doctor says a strain, so I think I either pulled something or I felt it throughout the match and couldn't continue.

A tough way to end. Otherwise, you know, great week for me. Hopefully I'll be back next year and going forward.

Q. Michael, I didn't actually see the injury. What exactly was the problem?

MICHAEL ZHENG: The doctor said it was an adductor strain. Yeah, I think it was just on one of the shots. I was stretched wide, then I felt some sharp pain in my leg. And that's what the doctor said.

Q. Have you had that injury before?

MICHAEL ZHENG: No, first time.

Q. So do you think a little too much on the body overall over the last few days?

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, I think it's the first time playing three out of five. First match went five sets going through qualifying. It's been a lot of tennis.

Yeah, I think accumulation of a lot of matches. And, yeah, it's just unfortunate. But I think I'm going to go back and then maybe get an MRI or something and see exactly what it is and then hopefully do some physical therapy and try and get stronger and get back here next year.

Q. How different are the demands of best to five compared to what you played before?

MICHAEL ZHENG: I just think it's just more tennis. Definitely more physical. I think it's also the players that you're playing here are a step up compared to, you know, who I'm used to playing against. They're making points more physical. And on top of that you have to play a couple extra sets.

I'd say it's definitely more challenging. I think you also have to stay on top of the recovery as well. So you don't have as much time, I think, to recover and you're here for a long time in the Grand Slams.

So it's a lot of tennis without that much time to recover, as much as you're used to, I think.

Q. Is there a moment from your run that you're most proud of?

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, I mean, a few moments. I think qualifying for the first time, making the first round, and in a tough match, too, saving a match point. I think winning the first round was amazing against you know a former top-20 player.

And yeah it's just been a great week overall. Was really happy with the level coming into the match. A tough way to tend, but you know a lot of positives I think still to take forward going forward.

Q. Did you get any clarification on your prize money situation?

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, I heard I think I'm allowed to take the money, just from what I've heard from the rules. If I take the money I think I'd be ineligible for next year. But since I'm graduating, that wouldn't affect me, so I think I'm allowed to take it.

Q. When you were starting your match today, Alcaraz was close to finishing off his. Like, do you feel like you've missed an opportunity to take on the No. 1 player in the world? And what would that have been like for your career, what sort of monumental boost would that be?

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, I mean, definitely unfortunate. This is something, you know, when the draw came out, you know, you saw Alcaraz. You're in that section kind of. Then you get past Sebi Korda first round, who is definitely a tough first-round match.

It's definitely in the back of your mind. It wasn't the main focus. Obviously, Moutet is a tough, tough out for sure. Definitely a tough player, tricky player. He's going to make things tough.

So just trying to focus more on this match. Of course it's always in the back of the mind, you get the chance to play the No. 1 player in the world, it doesn't happen very often. He's someone who is going to go down as a legend in the sport.

Definitely unfortunate, but hopefully I'll get the opportunity again in the future. So, yeah, going to go back and recover and then, you know, a great experience, and then take this experience and go forward, use it.

Q. Do you know when you're flying home and when is your next college match?

MICHAEL ZHENG: Yeah, we have flights scheduled for tomorrow, like tomorrow morning. Then our next match is Friday, I think. It's our kickoff weekend.

We'll see how bad the injury is and whether I can play or not. But, yeah, we'll see.