By Scoop Malinowski
Michael Zheng is a name under the radar of most tennis observers but the most ardent followers of the sport know who he is.
The Chinese American from Montville, NJ has an impressive resume. Match point in the first round against eventual champion Arthur Fils at Orange Bowl… Wimbledon juniors runner up… NCAA champion for Columbia University… Runner up at ATP Challengers in Puerto Rico (lost to Nishikori) and Little Rock (Kypson)… served for the match at US Open qualies 1R last year vs Majchrzak…
Currently ranked 444 in the world, Zheng just scored his best win at Lexington Challenger, beating Dan Evans in the second round 61 63. Evans is 35 and ranked 129 and desperately trying to extend his career. This summer the two-time ATP World Tour title winner with career earnings of over $9m, has beaten Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen, Zizou Bergs, Miomir Kecmanovic and Adam Walton.
Sposored by Yonex attire, shoes and racquet, Zheng stands 6-2 and weighs 160 and has perfect smooth technique, composure and firepower. He’s one of those determined young tigers fighting, waiting and searching to find that flow state key to unlock a winning streak to up his ranking so he can play the highest level and gain more comfort with the top 50-100 level.
At some point it’s bound to happen. The flashes of brilliance over the last four years prove the development stage is still in progress and heading in the right direction.
Going to toe to toe with the likes of Fils, Nishikori, Majchrzak, Bernard Tomic, etc and now walloping Evans suggests Zheng’s learning curve is entering a new stage in his evolution as a player.
Keep an eye om 21 year old Michael Zheng. This may be his year.
Update: My bold prediction was six months off, Michael Zheng knocked off Sebi Korda in five sets yesterday at 2026 Australian Open, after winning three qualifying matches including saving match point in the 3R vs Lukas Klein.
Dan Evans · Lexington Challenger · Michael Zheng · US Open · Wimbledon
