Randy Walker
@TennisPublisher
A name appeared in the qualifying field at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston this week that hasn’t been seen in a while.
It’s Wu Yibing.
The standout from China has been one of the most interesting stories on the ATP Tour the last years, starting with his historic win at the Dallas Open last year when he became the first player from China to win an ATP singles title.
He has been sidelined for six months after having surgery for an old injury on his left foot in October and his inactivity caused for his ranking to drop to No. 298 from his career high of No. 54.
“I really enjoyed playing with a healthy body again,” Wu said after defeating Kazakhstan’s Denis Yevseyev in the final round of qualifying in Houston, according to China Daily. “Hopefully, I can keep playing while staying healthy. I expect to have a better clay swing this season than last year, because I specifically tuned up for this surface during my recovery. I am looking forward to working my way back to the top tournaments, where I feel I belong, through solid performances at the lower-level events.”
Also interesting to note is that Wu is working with two high profile coaches, former top 10 star Wayne Ferreira and 2006 Australian Open runner-up Marcos Baghdatis. Ferreira recently parted ways with Frances Tiafoe after guiding the American to the Top 10 of the ATP rankings.
“I am so grateful that Wayne could help me out during the North American swing, while Marcos takes over once I am in Europe,” said Wu, who, according to China Daily, was bedridden for three weeks and had to walk on crutches for a month and a half in the immediate aftermath of his surgery. “We will work on improving my weaknesses such as my serve and unforced errors on my forehand.”
Wu has a history of comebacks and had one of the most dramatic rises seen in tennis, as documented here: https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/21222 when he went from having ONE ATP ranking point into the U.S. Open main draw in just four months.
“I’ve had a change of mindset because of all the injuries,” Wu said, according to China Daily. “To be able to compete again after being out for six months, I am just so happy I could make it back. “Technically, I am happy that I delivered my level in training. I am not expecting too much at the moment because physically I am still playing with caution while seeing how my body reacts.”
