ROLEX SHANGHAI MASTERS

October 6, 2026

Zhang Zhizhen

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the press conference of Zhang Zhizhen. We will start with questions in English first. First of all, welcome back to Shanghai. How does it feel to play in front of your home crowd again this year?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: I'm happy to be back here all the time. Hard to believe this has been a year already after the injury. I'm pretty happy that we solved the problem of the injury of the shoulder. We didn't have any bad inflammation or bad things come back.

Of course, the tennis, we still have a lot of things to improve. Then, also during the match we have to find some feelings back. But I think we're in a good line, yes.

THE MODERATOR: All right. We'll take questions in Chinese, please.

Q. With the draw, your first opponent used to be your partner during the doubles. What's your plan?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: Well, I haven't played him for a long time. We know each other, but that was before. Off the court we are still very good friends.

I think I will try my best for the next match. It's not that we had this very good relationship and that we become adversaries. I'll try my best to play good tennis.

Q. Could you talk about your form in the 2026 season. Are you satisfied with your game?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: I think I am okay for this year. It was pretty good at the beginning of the season, and then I think the main problem is because of the shoulder injury. Gradually it's getting better.

Ever since the Hangzhou tournament I think I begin to get the feel back. I am satisfied with my performance. As I said before, I think I am on the right track.

Q. This is the tournament that has attracted a lot of young people. You are such a famous tennis player here in Shanghai, so what kind of influence do you want to bring to the young generation here?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: First of all, I hope that more young people would love tennis. If they play tennis, I hope that they can enjoy playing tennis.

I also hope that we can play good tennis, so they don't feel bored as viewers.

I want to also let them know that playing tennis is a passionate thing. To keep the interest is the most important thing, because that's the basis for you to continue to push yourself forward.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you.