Wu Yibing Triumphs Over a Strong Opponent! China Draws with Portugal on Day One of the Davis Cup

On February 6th, the Davis Cup World Group I Playoffs match between China and Portugal began at the Nansha International Tennis Center. Many enthusiastic fans came out to support China. In the two singles matches on the first day, both teams won one match each, ending with a 1-1 score. Wu Yibing notably beat world-ranked 45th Borges 6-1, 7-6(3), earning an important point for the Chinese side!

On February 7th, the two teams will compete in the remaining three matches. Can China qualify for the World Group I for the first time since the Davis Cup format change? Join us at the Nansha International Tennis Center to cheer for China and witness history together!

China Team

Portugal Team

The two teams exchanged flags before the match

The first match featured China’s No. 1 singles player Bu Yunchaokete against Portugal’s No. 2 singles player Rosa, marking their first encounter. In the opening set, Bu Yunchaokete was broken in his third service game and fell behind 2-3, eventually losing the set 4-6. In the second set, he was broken immediately to trail 0-1. Both players then held serve steadily, but Rosa closed the set 6-4, winning the match 2-0 and securing the first point for Portugal.

Bu Yunchaokete

Rosa

The second match saw China’s No. 2 singles Wu Yibing face Portugal’s No. 1 singles Borges. They had previously met in the second round of the 2022 US Open, where Wu won in five sets. Playing at home this time, Wu was in even better form, dominating the first set 6-1 with two breaks of serve. The second set was more tightly contested, with both players saving multiple break points, leading to a tiebreak. Wu took the tiebreak 7-3, winning the match 2-0 and leveling the overall score for China.

Wu Yibing

Wu Yibing vs Borges

After the match, Wu Yibing expressed clear satisfaction with his performance and praised Bu Yunchaokete: “Today, he played like a top ten player, crushing opponents ranked in the top 30 or 40.” Wu jokingly said this was a “fair” assessment. “Even though I was under some pressure when trailing, I felt our team’s unity and support, which helped me play smoothly. There was a slight dip in the second set, but I managed to control the match’s direction overall. I’m quite happy.”

Wu Yibing

A large crowd came to cheer for China today, and Wu said he felt greatly encouraged, especially when facing difficulties in the second set. “In professional tournaments, you don’t usually hear cheers for China, but in the Davis Cup or other national representation events, you do. Every time I hear it, I feel a strong sense of responsibility, which makes me even more motivated. I hope one day to compete in the Olympics and proudly represent my country.”

This was Wu Yibing’s first time competing in Nansha, and he had a very positive impression. “It’s been a long time since I played a tournament where the hotel is right next to the court. It’s very convenient here. The area is great, with a coffee shop nearby and a running track. I take evening walks there and visit the coffee shop in the morning to read and enjoy coffee. I really like Nansha.”

Wu Yibing at the post-match press conference

Rosa, who secured a point for Portugal, also praised Nansha’s comfort, saying, “The food here is excellent, and the tournament’s care for us has been very thoughtful, making us feel very welcomed.” Portugal’s No. 1 singles Borges added, “The facilities here are truly outstanding.”

Rosa at the post-match press conference

On February 7th, the competition will enter its final day. At 12:00, the doubles match will start with China’s Zhang Zhizhen/Zhou Yi facing Portugal’s Borges/Cabral, followed by the No. 1 singles clash between Bu Yunchaokete and Borges, and concluding with the No. 2 singles match between Wu Yibing and Rosa.

Zhou Yi / Zhang Zhizhen vs Cabral / Borges

This event uses a best-of-five format, where the fifth match may be canceled if the winner is decided in the first four matches. Additionally, according to Davis Cup rules, the exact matchups tomorrow could change based on who actually plays.

Bu Yunchaokete vs Borges

Wu Yibing vs Rosa

This tournament is organized by the Tennis Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Tennis Association, hosted by the Guangzhou Nansha District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, operated by Guangzhou Nantai Culture and Sports Development Co., Ltd., co-organized by Guangzhou Juntai Sports Development Co., Ltd. and the Nansha District Tennis Association, with support from the Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau.

(Information source: Juntai Sports, Edited by Sunny)