Explore the latest developments concerning Zhang Zhizhen's path.
Zhang Zhizhen's path back from a shoulder injury & completely changing his forehand
The first Chinese man to crack the Top 100 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Zhang Zhizhen, is again representing his country on the global stage at the United Cup. But this edition is different for the 29-year-old righty.
Zhang is No. 410 in the world after an injury-mired 2025 season during which he struggled with a shoulder injury, which dates back to when he was 15.
“I do believe sometimes during the years, a few days, I felt the shoulder was painful, but I thought the problem was gone,” Zhang told ATPTour.com. “It seemed like that last year, I felt maybe in two weeks the problem will be gone. But it was still there and we did an MRI with an injection to see the problem.”
The six United Cup matches that will provide Australian Open clues
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There are two obvious absentees from the lead-up tournaments to the 2026 Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Warm-up events are being held in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart, and Adelaide before the first grand slam of the season, but the top two men’s players in the game will not be involved.
Some of the stars in action ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.Credit: Getty,AP
However, there will plenty of big-name Australian Open contenders in action down under before the first grand slam of the year kicks off at Melbourne Park on January 18, including Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.
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Tennis set for two weeks of mania ahead of 2026 Australian Open
Payers on the ATP and WTA tours are arriving Down Under for a crammed two-week schedule of tournaments ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season.
BRISBANE, Australia (AP)—If it's a new year, it must be serious tennis time Down Under.
Just over six weeks since the ATP and WTA held their respective 2025 Finals, players on the men's and women's tours are arriving in Australia and New Zealand for a crammed two-week schedule of tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam event starting Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
📲🖥️ Bookmark for 2026: Stream the United Cup on the Tennis Channel App!
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Zhang Zhizhen's path.