Wu Yibing becomes first Chinese to win ATP title with Dallas triumph
The Hindu
Against home hero John Isner, a hardened tour professional with 16 titles and one of the game's most feared serves, Wu had to earn the right to create history.
Wu Yibing became the first man from China to win an ATP title on Sunday, February 12, 20223, as he held off home hero John Isner 6-7(4) 7-6(3) 7-6(12) in a thrilling final to claim the Dallas Open.
China's men have barely made an impression in tennis's elite circuit but 23-year-old Wu's breakthrough could inspire generations to come in the East Asian nation.
Before this week, no Chinese man had ever reached a tour-level final in the professional era or defeated a top 10 opponent.
Wu, from the eastern city of Hangzhou, has done both, having upset American world number eight Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals in Dallas.
"I made history here for my country and for my home," said Wu at the trophy ceremony.
"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."
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.