On February 13, 2023, Wu Yibing made history, beating John Isner in an exciting three-set final at the Dallas Open to become the first man from China to win an ATP title.
Brought to a tennis court for the first time at just five, encouraged by his parents at first as an exercise to lose weight, Wu soon had his talent discovered by his provincial junior team, kicking off a journey that would change the face of men's tennis in China. In 2017, Wu Yibing shot to prominenceafter winning the US Open boys' tournament(锦标赛) at 18 to become the first Chinese to win a major junior title, raising high hopes for the "Wonder Boy" to change the fortune(命运) of Chinese men in a sport long dominated by women's success on the pro stage.
In 2018, Wu won his first ATP Challenger title in Shanghai. However, the brutally(残酷地)competitive nature of men's pro tennis hit the rising Wu with a tough reminder after many injuries(损伤) — to his elbow, lower back, shoulder and wrist — forced him to be away from the ATP Tour for close to three years.
He made his return last year and won three ATP Challenger titles before qualifying(取得资格)for the US Open. "Looking back, I feel like I wouldn't have been here if not for the ups and downs over the past few years. I take all the setbacks(挫折) and struggles as an asset (资产)that helps me mature(成熟) mentally now, " said Wu. "Of course there were a lot of doubts because I had surgery and the rehab (康复) wasn't going well. The championship today was a payoff for all the hard work and everyone who's supported me along the way. "
