Wu Yibing's Journey in Hangzhou: Three Comebacks, a Farewell, and an Unchanging Iron Will

When the final score settled at 3-6, 3-6, Wu Yibing's journey in Hangzhou came to an end. Facing the powerful third seed Bublik, he couldn't maintain the miraculous comeback of winning two consecutive sets like in his previous three matches. Yet, beyond the semifinal loss, what we see is not a defeated player but a fighter who gave his all in his hometown with every last ounce of strength — Wu Yibing, whose iron will and determination have never wavered.

Looking back at the week, Wu Yibing delivered an impressively valuable performance. Manarino, Korda, Medvedev — three opponents with very different styles but equally tough — formed a daunting path to the semifinals. What’s even more touching is that each of these victories came after losing the first set, showcasing not only tactical adjustments but also a triumph of willpower. From last year's self-mocking “soft pancake of Hangzhou” to this year's “tough guy of Hangzhou” who staged three consecutive comebacks against top players, the label changed, but Wu Yibing’s core remained the same: the toughness he describes as “my life is hard” fueled his incredible bursts of energy in adversity.

However, in the semifinal against Bublik, physical alarms finally sounded. A minor strain can be greatly magnified at the highest level of competition. The clever Bublik keenly sensed this and continuously targeted Wu Yibing’s forehand with his serves. After the match, during a long conversation at the net, even the famously wild “Bublik the Madman” couldn’t help but admire Wu Yibing’s “madness” — fighting on despite his physical condition. Wu himself admitted that if it weren’t for his hometown tournament, he might have chosen to withdraw. This sense of responsibility toward local fans added another layer of meaning to his effort.

The physical challenges didn’t end there. The adrenaline from the intense battles, like elevated nighttime cortisol levels, made it difficult for him to sleep. The night before facing Bublik, he only managed about four to five hours of rest. Managing emotions and ensuring recovery during a demanding, continuous tour schedule is a crucial skill he must keep learning and refining in his career. This week, he not only fought top opponents across the net but also battled his own fatigue and injuries.

Although he stopped at the semifinals, Wu Yibing may have provided a glimpse of his “ceiling.” The opponents he defeated, whether current top-20 players or those he said have “almost all reached the top 20,” proved that when healthy and able to compete continuously, he has the ability to challenge the elite. As he said, this was the most intense week since his comeback in Miami — he has “burned out” but also achieved “his personal 100%,” giving everything he had. This state of “burning bright” rather than “burning out” highlights his potential and future possibilities.

Waving goodbye to the central court in Hangzhou, Wu Yibing’s 2025 Hangzhou Open journey has ended. There are regrets, but even more gains and hope. What he proved goes far beyond a rise in world rankings; it is the champion’s heart, forged through injuries and doubts, growing ever stronger. For upcoming tournaments, he and his team need to carefully assess his body’s signals. Right now, the priority is not rushing to the next event but full recovery and adjustment.

Wu Yibing’s tennis story has many thrilling chapters yet to come. Staying healthy, this tough guy from Hangzhou is destined to have many more wonderful weeks like this autumn — filled with sweat and glory intertwined.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)