The biggest draw of this week’s tour is undoubtedly the Rome tournament. With Chinese players like Zhang Zhizhen and Zhang Shuai already eliminated, Zheng Qinwen has become the main focus for domestic fans in singles competition. She is set to face 30th seed Bukša for the first time around 5 PM Beijing time today.
In an earlier first-round match, Zheng Qinwen overcame a set deficit and a 0-3 start in the deciding set to stage a three-set comeback. Fans hope she will have an easier path in the second round.
While the tour features exciting action, the ITF circuit is equally busy. The Wuxi CH100 event has attracted strong competitors including Walton, Wong Chun‑hsin, and Bolt. Among Chinese mainland players, Bu Yunchaokete entered as the fifth seed. Defending champion Sun Fajing also appeared in the draw, while wild cards were awarded to Cui Jie, Zhang Tianhui, and Te Rigele.
After the first round, Bu Yunchaokete, Sun Fajing, and Cui Jie advanced to the second round. Zhang Tianhui lost to Kazakhstan’s Kukushkin, and Te Rigele was eliminated by third seed Sweeny.
As the defending champion, Sun Fajing had an impressive run last year as an unseeded player, defeating Tu Chen‑li, Escoffier, Peniston, Simakin, and Bolt. Returning to Wuxi this year, he faced Ryo Noguchi in the second round and fought through three tough sets, ultimately falling 6‑7, 6‑4, 6‑7. The loss was especially disappointing because he led 5‑1 in the deciding set tiebreak before losing 6‑8.
As a 1996-born player who will turn 30 in less than five months, Sun’s current ranking sits at No. 258. He broke into the top 200 for the first time last May by winning the Wuxi title. That breakthrough allowed him to compete in Grand Slam qualifying events, including Wimbledon and the US Open, where he earned his first main‑draw qualifying win.
Despite failing to defend his Wuxi title, Sun claimed his second career Challenger crown at the Wuning CH50 event last month. He also finished runner‑up at the Pozoblanco CH75 last year.
Compared to top Chinese male players like Zhang Zhizhen, Wu Yibing, and Shang Jincheng, Sun Fajing may not be the most prominent, but his perseverance on the professional circuit is commendable. Fans look forward to seeing him continue to climb the rankings and shine on bigger stages.