“I need to keep going, keep my body healthy and I’m sure there’s more to come” – Yibing Wu ready for more

A first ATP singles title for himself and for China, and a historic ranking milestone. Yibing Wu says he is ready for more…

Yibing Wu, Dallas 2023 – © Imago / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

February 14, 2023

After creating history for his country by becoming the first Chinese player to win an ATP singles title in the Open Era, 23-year-old Yibing Wu says he wants to keep going.

Wu defeated American John Isner in final of the Dallas Open on Sunday for his historic triumph, which saw him break into the top 60 of the world rankings – the highest position achieved by a Chinese man in the world rankings.

“I’ve been through a lot of things. I’ve been through injuries, I’ve been through many difficult situations when I was growing up. I think the reason why I’m relaxed now on the tennis court is because I trust myself.”
Wu Yibing

“I feel happy. It’s not only about winning the title. It’s more about me personally making history, also for the country,” Wu said in an interview to the ATP Tour. “It’s huge for the next generation. For me, I need to keep going, keep my body healthy and I’m sure there’s more to come.”

NO WAY HAS HE MADE THAT 😱

The wondrous Wu Yibing, ladies and gentlemen… #DALOpen pic.twitter.com/ERPr8llw6m
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 12, 2023

“If you want to beat me, you have to work hard” – Yibing Wu

Wu did not play for a period of nearly three years due to injuries before beginning his climb up the rankings in 2022. He says time away from the sport served to make him much more relaxed.

“I’ve been through a lot of things. I’ve been through injuries, I’ve been through many difficult situations when I was growing up. I think the reason why I’m relaxed now on the tennis court is because I trust myself. If you want to beat me, you have to work hard,” Wu said.

“Of course there were a lot of doubts because I did surgery and the rehab wasn’t going well. It took longer than it should [have], but it turned out I’m here. I’d be [lying] if I said 100 percent I’m going to be here today. But the process is always the most important thing. I trust myself and I work hard for it. In the gym, on the tennis court, off the court, I always think about tennis. The way I look at tennis, now it’s more relaxing, more enjoyable than before,” the 2017 US Open junior champion said.