Zhang eyes maiden title ahead of new ATP season

China's top tennis player Zhang Zhizhen has chosen Hong Kong as his training ground ahead of the new ATP season, saying the move was “deeply personal”. "When I was 15, I played in the ITF Junior Tournament (Grade 4) here," the world number 45 said in an interview with Hong Kong media. "That's why I was really looking forward to coming." Having turned pro in 2012, the 28-year-old Shanghai native had a breakthrough in 2022, by becoming the first Chinese male player in the Open era to reach the top 100. He continued to make steady progress, rising to a career-high world number 31 in July this year. As the new season approaches, Zhang has set his sights on maintaining his momentum. "I want to have a better year (in 2025). Next year, my goal is trying to keep my ranking at around 30," he said. Still seeking his maiden ATP title, Zhang said it would be extra sweet if he could achieve that feat in front of a home crowd at the Shanghai Masters scheduled for September. "That would be an amazing week for me," he said.