In a thrilling match at the United Cup in Sydney, Zhang Zhizhen triumphed over Zizou Bergs, securing a 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-5 win. This two-hour and 53-minute battle leveled the tie for China against Belgium at 1-1.
“He was serving really well, and I struggled with that,” Zhang said afterward. “His second serves were fast, reaching 180 kilometers per hour. I’m just happy I stayed strong for my team. We both played great today.”
Neither player managed to break serve until the deciding set reached 5-5, when Bergs missed a critical forehand, allowing Zhang to take control and serve out the match. Zhang, a former No. 31 in the ATP Rankings, fired 12 aces and faced no break points despite Bergs hitting 18 aces himself. It took nearly three hours, but Zhang converted one of ten break points, keeping China’s hopes alive in the tie.
In the earlier singles match, Elise Mertens gave Belgium the lead by defeating China’s Zhu Lin 6-2, 6-2. Mertens, Belgium’s top player, started her 12th season on the WTA Tour impressively with this one-hour, 18-minute win, marking her fourth success in five clashes with Zhu, a former World No. 31.
Zhu had a tough journey, dropping from No. 493 in the PIF WTA Rankings last August due to an elbow injury. However, she made a comeback later in 2025, reaching the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event in Montreal and starting 2026 ranked No. 168. Despite her fighting spirit, Mertens broke Zhu’s serve six times and dominated the match, winning four consecutive games in the second set.
As the mixed doubles match approaches, the excitement builds to see which team will claim victory in this opening tie.
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that tennis viewership has surged in the last year, with a 15% increase in fans tuning in to events like the United Cup. This trend highlights a growing interest in the sport globally, possibly fueled by star players and inspiring matches like this one. Experts attribute part of this rise to social media, where fans can easily connect with players and share their experiences.
For more insights on athlete performances, you can check the [official ATP rankings](https://www.atptour.com/en/rankings) and stay updated on the latest in the tennis world.
