Biofile Yibing Wu Interview

By Scoop Malinowski

Status: ATP no. 58. Won Dallas Open 67 76 76 vs John Isner to become first Chinese player to win an ATP title.

Ht: 6-0 Wt: 176

DOB: October 14, 1999 In: Hangzhou, China

First Tennis Memory: I started tennis with losing weight when I was five-six years old. So I feel like the racquet is heavy. Obviously, I’m like too little. So when I’m growing up – you said my first memory – so it’s like by watching those good players, how they can hit the balls so hard and so fast. Like how they can treat the different ball like different ways. It’s good to watch.

Tennis Inspiration: I think it’s just tennis itself. It’s a great sport to play. And since I’m already playing for like fifteen years, the love for tennis only gets more and more. And since now I can star to play these big events, (I’m) even like inspired more in my tennis career. It’s just the beginning for me, I think.

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I think in like 2007 (age 8), they had Shanghai Masters final in Shanghai. So I was going to watch. That was my first big tennis event that I ever watched. There was (David) Nalbandian there, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick. That’s my first major event that I ever watched.

Current Car: Mercedes.

Last Book Read: A book called… oh, it’s tough because it’s Chinese book. It’s about human being, something like that.

Greatest Sports Moment: That’s a tough question. Winning first ATP title in Dallas. I made history for my country and for my home. I’m very proud of myself and especially thanks to all the fans and my team who came here to support. I couldn’t do this without any of you guys.

Most Painful Moment: When I got hurt, injured like always tough (Wu did not play from March 2019 to January 2022 because of injuries to elbow, wrist, lower back and shoulder).

Favorite Tournament: I would say Wimbledon.

What Match Did You Feel At Your Very Best: I think it’s just when I get break point. I hit like amazing shot, like highlight shots.

Funniest Players Encountered: There’s a bunch of them. It’s tough question… Let me think about someone… Maybe myself [smiles]. I’m a pretty funny guy. Yeah [smiles].

Strangest Match: I would say final in Indianapolis Challenger. I play against Kovacevic, so I saved six match points in the Challenger final. It was crazy. And it was weird to play. Also I enjoy it.

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: Oh yeah. I think there’s one when we play Davis Cup in China against New Zealand. On match point I was serving. We were leading 2-1 so if I won that match point, we win the whole thing, right? I make a serve. And I thought it was in. I go on my knees and yell C’mon! And the umpire called “Let.” So I have to repeat like the whole thing again. That’s pretty embarrassing. And many people watched. I was pretty embarrassed. (Did you win the next point to finish the match?) I won the point, next point. But it was really embarrassing.

Why Do You Love Tennis: I think it’s a great sport to play. Since I’m little, I love to watch tennis game. Like a part of when I’m playing, I love to watch tennis games. There’s certain goals I want to reach in this sport. It’s always like you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think that’s the most fun that tennis can bring to fans. I enjoy it.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla.

Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Basketball.

Favorite Athletes To Watch: In tennis I love to watch Andy Murray before he get hurt. Now I would say it’s Carlos (Alcaraz). In soccer, my team in Man City. I love (Kevin) De Bruyne. Basketball I love Kevin Durant.

People Qualities Most Admired: I think it’s the fighting spirit. And never give up. Where they do things, they give 100 percent.

Interesting Fact: Yibing Wu will be the first man from China to play in the third round of a Grand Slam since Chengji Xu at Wimbledon 1946.

(Photo credit: Cathy Wang.)

You can read Scoop’s tennis coverage at www.tennis-prose.com