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Away From Spotlight On DC, Zheng Rising In Cabos
No comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
The Mubadala DC Open usually gets all the spotlight and attention from tennis observers in America but in Los Cabos, Mexico, perhaps America’s brightest great young hope continues his quiet rise up the ranks.
Michael Zheng handled ATP no. 63 Martin Landaluce yesterday 64 63. It was another impressive win for Zheng, age 22, who made third round at Wimbledon as a qualifier. He also made second round at AO as a qualifier in January, with a big upset in the first round of Sebi Korda. Zheng is 3-3 overall in Grand Slam main draws, which is a much better record than those compiled by Paul, Fritz, Tiafoe and Opelka in their first Grand Slam efforts.
There is a sense that the current group of veteran Americans have all peaked and will not suddenly become Grand Slam or 1000 threats. Learner Tien, currently ranked 16 in the world, is also a major prospect, however he lost early in DC to Adrian Mannarino and his results this summer haven’t met expectations. In short, Tien has hit a wall which is common in all pro player progressions.
But Zheng radiates a different aura than the other Americans. The core Americans seem content with their stations, having fun with fame and fortune, maintaining their rankings, and just enjoying the professional tour experiences. They’ve all been around the top ten range and seem accepting that top three is simply unreachable.
It’s clear for all to see Zheng is serious, driven, ambitious, professional and not in awe or overwhelmed by where he has put himself, as some young players do become when they first hit the big time. He seems to have no interest for celebrity and promo. He’s all business. He has mastered every level of the journey – junior national titles, NCAA titles, Challenger titles and now Grand Slam qualies and main draws. Last week, after winning five matches at Wimbledon, he made semis at Bloomfield Hills Challenger, losing to Fearnley 36 46.
With more experience at the highest level there is no predicting what Zheng can ultimately do. The arsenal is formidable – perfect strokes, silky smooth quick movement, mental toughness under pressure and the amazing capacity to execute sensational improvisational shots in the big moments. After every point he goes into laser focus mode, straight to the next point. There are no signs of immaturity or mental weakness. No wasted facial expressions or stunts. Zheng is a machine, he doesn’t need emotional adrenaline or fire or to create drama or distractions, he just plays pure basic shootout and when needed, spectacular tennis.
Zheng’s racquet does all the talking, he reminds me of a young Pete Sampras, not in style but demeanor and mindset.
So the big canival rolls on in the nation’s capital but I’m more interested to follow how Zheng does 2R vs Gea and beyond.
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