ROLAND GARROS

May 29, 2023

Zhang Zhizhen

Press Conference

Z. ZHIZHEN/D. Lajovic

6-1, 4-1

Q. How big a deal is it for you personally to get to play at the French Open and to move on, and how big a deal is it, do you think, for Chinese tennis?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: First of all, because it's the second -- yeah, second time here. First time was 2021 playing the quallies here.

Last year including getting for the quallies, even quallies couldn't get in. This year I'm enjoying first win here. That's quite special for me because when I say I didn't really like clay court, but a lot of results, like a good moment is coming from clay, also including Madrid Open and also here. Yeah, clay court is something special for me, yes.

Also, first win. I mean, we have so many waiting for us to get first win, so don't think I wouldn't get a first win, something like this. Just step on step and then we can get a lot of wins.

Q. The three of you from China are the first three men in a very long time from your country to play at Roland Garros. First of all, do you know how long it's been since one man from China played here?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: No, I don't know. When is the first one?

Q. 1930s.

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: 1933 or 1?

Q. I think 1937 was the last time a Chinese man played here. Do you think it's a big deal to have three players now moving up in tennis, men? China had the success, of course, of Li Na and other Chinese women, but it's sort of new for Chinese men to be doing well at the top level of tennis.

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: Well, sure. First of all, the one generation, like the old ones, for example, Wu Di, Zhang Ze, Li Zhe, those are also good players, but those are coming for the quallies. Now we are passing the quallies and coming to the main draw. That's one step, again, like a step forward.

Yeah, I mean, very happy for this moment what we have because we have three players. I mean, three quite okay. I can say quite okay. Not top, but still in the main draw and can pass quallies.

Yeah, I wish more and more people coming, yes. I would love to have same as girls. Girls have a lot of people playing. Now we are more and more. Yeah, we are trying to catch the girls, trying (smiling).

Q. Who as you were growing up watching tennis --

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: Roger Federer.

Q. Okay. Why him?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: I think just like everyone. Just no reason. I mean, no reason why.