Title: Djokovic 2-0 Zhang Zhizhen, China's first brother fights for the world's No. 1, Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen lost in mixed doubles.
Text: On December 31, Beijing time, in Group E of the group stage of the 2024 WTA and ATP United Cup, the high-profile Chinese No. 1 Zhang Zhizhen ushered in a contest with the world's No. 1 Djokovic. Despite the disappointing result, Zhang showed tenacity and fighting spirit in the match, presenting an exciting match for the fans.
Djokovic's quality is undeniable, as the world number one, he won seven titles and one runner-up last year, with a win rate of more than 90%. Zhang Zhizhen, on the other hand, was the leader of the Chinese team, having performed well in the previous match against the Czech Republic, not only winning the men's singles match, but also partnering Zheng Qinwen in the mixed doubles to win and contribute valuable points to the Chinese team.
At the beginning of the first set, Zhang Zhizhen showed tenacious defensive ability, successfully saving multiple break points in the fourth game and holding serve 2-2. However, Djokovic still showed strong strength in the sixth game, dropping four straight points to break first and lead 4-2. Zhang Zhizhen struggled to hold serve in the eighth game, but Djokovic successfully cashed in his serve in the ninth game to win the set and take a 6-3 lead to take a 1-0 lead.
At the start of the second set, Djokovic quickly broke serve and took a 1-0 lead. In the second game, Zhang Zhizhen tried his best to hold serve and tied 1-1. However, Djokovic broke again in the third game to take a 3-0 lead. Although Zhang Zhizhen managed to hold serve in the fifth game, Djokovic maintained the advantage and finally won 6-2, sweeping Zhang Zhizhen 2-0 on aggregate.
Prior to that, Zhang Zhizhen partnered Zheng Qinwen in the mixed doubles against Novak Djokovic and Danilovic. The game was fierce, and the two sides fought to the top ten, but the Chinese team finally lost to the Serbian opponent 6-10, and the Chinese team lost a victory.
Although the result of the game was not satisfactory, Zhang Zhizhen's hard work and dedication on the field won the applause of the fans. In the men's singles match, although his match with Djokovic ended in defeat, this match also became a showdown that showed the strength of China's first brother.
Zheng Qinwen performed well in the last match, not only winning in the singles, but also overcoming his opponent in the mixed doubles, contributing a crucial point to the Chinese team. However, in the match with Serbia, the mixed doubles match was unfortunately lost, so that the Chinese team finally lost to the opponent 1-2.
In the final of the ATP Finals, Djokovic met Sinner again. Djokovic got his revenge in straight sets and cleared up his defeat in the group stage to win his seventh year-end finals. In the first set, Djokovic hit consecutive aces to ensure a smooth hold, and Zhang Zhizhen also maintained a straight serve in the second game, and the score was 1-1. In the third game, the quality of Djokovic's serve dropped, but he managed to hold serve and take a 2-1 lead. Although Djokovic won a break point in the fourth game, Zhang Zhizhen stubbornly saved and finally held serve to tie it at 3-1. However, Djokovic gradually found his form in the game and eventually won 6-4.
Returning to the match against Zhang Zhizhen, although Djokovic finally won 2-0, Zhang Zhizhen's fighting spirit and outstanding performance won praise from the audience. This game is not only a contest of strength, but also a competition that embodies the spirit of hard work and struggle. Although the Chinese team lost 1-2 to Serbia in this competition, the players will enter the next game with a more high-spirited attitude and strive for better results.
Overall, although the result of the match was not satisfactory, China's No. 1 Zhang Zhizhen showed an indomitable fighting spirit in the showdown with the world No. 1. The fans' support for him will not be diminished by this defeat, and I believe that Zhang Zhizhen will still win more honors for the Chinese team in future games.