Zhang Zhizhen got hit on the head by Djokovic, Musetti frustrated with five consecutive final losses, the China Open night illuminates the path of legacy.

In just three minutes daily, stay informed about global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Welcome to the midday news report brought to you by "Tennis Home."

Last night Beijing time, the ATP1000 Shanghai Masters confirmed that Serbian star Novak Djokovic will participate again. Djokovic holds the record for the most titles at the Shanghai Masters, having won in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. Last year, he was runner-up after losing 0-2 to the Italian star Sinner in the final.

After confirming his participation, the tournament organizers quickly updated the previously released poster, placing Djokovic at the center and pushing out last year's defending champion Sinner. However, perhaps due to the rush, Djokovic’s right fist on the poster appears directly over Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen’s head, making it look like he is hitting him. Some fans joked that being hit on the head by the tennis GOAT, Zhang must stay strong and not get dizzy!

Let's return to the courts. Last night Beijing time, the ATP250 tournaments in Hangzhou and Chengdu concluded. At Hangzhou: the 3rd seed, Kazakhstan’s Bublyk, narrowly defeated French qualifier Royer 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in two tiebreaks to claim his fourth title this season and the eighth singles title of his career.

At Chengdu: the top seed, Italian Musetti, despite having two match points, was defeated by Chilean qualifier Tabillo 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5), missing out on the championship for the second consecutive year. Since the 2024 London Queen's Club tournament, Musetti has suffered five straight final defeats, including at one 1000-level, one 500-level, and three 250-level events. Tabillo started from the qualifiers, winning seven consecutive matches to claim his third career tour singles title.

Let’s focus now on the China Open. Last night Beijing time, the "China Tennis Night" took place at the Diamond Court. Olympic 2004 Athens women's doubles gold medalists Li Ting and Sun Tiantian, Australian Open and Wimbledon doubles champions Zheng Jie and Yan Zi, along with current Chinese tennis stars Zheng Qinwen, Wang Xinyu, Zhang Shuai, Bu Yunchaokete, and Shang Juncheng gathered together, warmly interacting with the audience and young players, embodying the profound meaning of "passing the torch" at the China Open.

Additionally, yesterday afternoon Beijing time, the ATP500 China Open draw was released. The top eight seeds in singles are matched as follows: In the top half, Sinner vs. Khachanov, Demin vs. Menchik; in the bottom half, Rublev vs. Musetti, Medvedev vs. Zverev. The three Chinese players competing are all in the top half: Bu Yunchaokete faces Australian young talent Demin in the first round, while Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng will each face qualifiers.

In doubles, Zhang Zhizhen/Shang Juncheng will play a qualifier pair, while Bu Yunchaokete/Norrie face Zverev/Melo. Meanwhile, all three Chinese players competing in the singles qualifying rounds of the China Open lost in the first round, failing to advance. Sun Fajing lost 4-6, 1-6 to Atmana; Zhou Yi lost 4-6, 6-3, 5-7 to Goffin; Wang Aoran was defeated 0-6, 2-6 by Aris.

Moving to the latest updates. Today at 11 AM Beijing time, the WTA1000 China Open singles bottom half will start, featuring Chinese players Zhang Shuai, Shi Han, and Zhang Ruien. The 11th seed, Ukraine’s Svitolina, announced her withdrawal due to injury, with Poland’s Linette, seeded 33rd, replacing her. The top-seeded doubles team Townsend/Siniakova also withdrew from this year’s China Open.

The ATP500 Tokyo tournament also kicked off this morning Beijing time. In a first-round singles match, Italian Berrettini played impressively, defeating Spain’s Munar 6-4, 6-2 to secure a winning start.

Here is some good news. Last night Beijing time, 25-year-old Canadian star Auger-Aliassime announced he held his wedding ceremony with his girlfriend, officially transitioning from boy to man. Congratulations to him!

Finally, let's play a guessing game. The following image shows a player during a match. Without any hints, can you identify who he is?

In the last guessing game, some fans gave the correct answer. Yes, the person in the picture is the Chinese star Zhang Zhizhen.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Independent Thinker)