By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 58 won the Dallas Open today vs John Isner, 67 76 76 to become first Chinese player to win an ATP title.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 176
DOB: October 14, 1999 In: Hangzhou, China
First Tennis Memory: I started tennis with losing weight when I was five-six years old. So I feel like the racquet is heavy. Obviously, I’m like too little. So when I’m growing up – you said my first memory – so it’s like by watching those good players, how they can hit the balls so hard and so fast. Like how they can treat the different ball like different ways. It’s good to watch.
Tennis Inspiration: I think it’s just tennis itself. It’s a great sport to play. And since I’m already playing for like fifteen years, the love for tennis only gets more and more. And since now I can star to play these big events, (I’m) even like inspired more in my tennis career.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I think in like 2007 (age 8), they had Shanghai Masters final in Shanghai. So I was going to watch. That was my first big tennis event that I ever watched. There was (David) Nalbandian there, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick. That’s my first major event that I ever watched.
Current Car: Mercedes.
Last Book Read: A book called… oh, it’s tough because it’s Chinese book. It’s about human being, something like that.
Greatest Sports Moment: That’s a tough question. Winning first ATP title in Dallas. I made history for my country and for my home. 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.
Most Painful Moment: When I got hurt, injured like always tough (Wu did not play from March 2019 to January 2022 because of injuries to elbow, wrist, lower back and shoulder).
Favorite Tournament: I would say Wimbledon.
What Match Did You Feel At Your Very Best: I think it’s just when I get break point. I hit like amazing shot, like highlight shots.
Funniest Players Encountered: There’s a bunch of them. It’s tough question… Let me think about someone… Maybe myself [smiles]. I’m a pretty funny guy. Yeah [smiles].
Strangest Match: I would say final in Indianapolis Challenger. I play against Kovacevic, so I saved six match points in the Challenger final. It was crazy. And it was weird to play. Also I enjoy it.
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: Oh yeah. I think there’s one when we play Davis Cup in China against New Zealand. On match point I was serving. We were leading 2-1 so if I won that match point, we win the whole thing, right? I make a serve. And I thought it was in. I go on my knees and yell C’mon! And the umpire called “Let.” So I have to repeat like the whole thing again. That’s pretty embarrassing. And many people watched. I was pretty embarrassed. (Did you win the next point to finish the match?) I won the point, next point. But it was really embarrassing.
Why Do You Love Tennis: I think it’s a great sport to play. Since I’m little, I love to watch tennis game. Like a part of when I’m playing, I love to watch tennis games. There’s certain goals I want to reach in this sport. It’s always like you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think that’s the most fun that tennis can bring to fans. I enjoy it.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Basketball.
Favorite Athletes To Watch: In tennis I love to watch Andy Murray before he get hurt. Now I would say it’s Carlos (Alcazar). In soccer, my team in Man City. I love (Kevin) De Bruyne. Basketball I love Kevin Durant.
People Qualities Most Admired: I think it’s the fighting spirit. And never give up. Where they do things, they give 100 percent.
(Photo credit: Cathy Wang.)
adidas · China · Grand Slam · US Open · Yibing Wu
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2022 at 10:55 am
I did this Biofile with Yibing after his 1RQ match win when he was going to watch his friend Zhizhang play Trungelitti. Thought this is one of the best tennis biofiles all year because of how Wu’s mind handles the questions. Very smart and interesting young player with nice potential. Interesting note is Wu has never lost a match at US Open, he won juniors and now five matches so far this year, 3 in qualies and 2 so far in main draw.
Scoop Malinowski · September 1, 2022 at 12:02 pm
The last man from China to reach the 3R of a Grand Slam was 1946 at Wimbledon – Chengji Xu.