CHINA OPEN

September 27, 2024

Zhang Zhizhen

Press Conference

A. DAVIDOVICH FOKINA/Zhang Zhizhen

6-3, 4-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Chinese.

Q. I saw you called in the physio. What happened?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: The right elbow, there was some inflammation. In the morning, when I was serving... I wasn't feeling right. When I was serving, forehand, backhand, I wasn't feeling comfortable.

I might check it out later today or tomorrow morning to see how it comes up.

Q. Can you talk about the match itself. It was a hard-fought match. Have you talked to Jerry as well as other Chinese players about Fokina's style of play, six wins in a row against Chinese players?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: I don't ask them because it has been some time away from their matches. I've seen some of the videos. He is from Spain, but he doesn't play in a typical Spanish style. He is more aggressive, I think.

Q. You talked previously about it was a very tight schedule, there wasn't enough time to think about the previous runner-up finish in Hangzhou.

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: Regrettably I didn't win the first set because there were many chances. The third set, my first service game in that set, I wasn't feeling comfortable in my elbow. I dropped my first service game. It was a mistake from my forehand. I regret these two points. I didn't play very well.

Regarding last week, I didn't have enough time to reflect on it because I'm all in in the China Open. I did not have enough time to reflect on what happened last week.

Q. You will return home for the Masters in Shanghai. Any expectations in Shanghai?

ZHANG ZHIZHEN: Well, how do I put it? I said previously, early exit in Beijing, so I have enough time for the Masters in Shanghai. It's neither good or bad.

It's just some rest, some buffer zone for me between the tournaments, so I have time to prepare. I can recover, recuperate physically in between. I can make some adjustments and prepare.

I hope that I can play in better form in Shanghai.