Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu made history at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, clinching China's first-ever mixed doubles tennis silver medal on Friday. 🎾✨ CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi caught up with Zhang at the airport for an exclusive chat about this monumental achievement.
Originally, Zhang was set to team up with Zheng Qinwen for the mixed doubles event in Paris. But in a last-minute twist, Wang stepped in to replace Zheng. Despite barely having time to sync up, the dynamic duo smashed expectations at Roland Garros, showcasing incredible chemistry on the court. 🚀
Zhang, Wang, and Zheng represent the crème de la crème of China's rising tennis stars. Zhang expressed his hope that their stellar performances will ignite a tennis boom back home. \"The more kids pick up a racket, the brighter the future of Chinese tennis,\" he shared with a hopeful grin. 🌟
But that's not all—Zhang also welcomed his first child during the Olympics! His wife named their daughter \"Aoyun,\" meaning \"Olympic\" in Chinese. 🥰 Zhang admitted feeling a tinge of regret for missing the birth. \"I wish I could've been there,\" he said. His wife playfully posted on Sina Weibo, urging him to hurry home and help with diaper duty. 🍼😂
From making Olympic history to becoming a new dad, Zhang Zhizhen is riding a wave of unforgettable moments. Here's hoping his journey inspires a new generation of tennis enthusiasts in China and beyond! 🌏🎉
Reference(s):
Zhang hopes his Olympic silver can boost popularity of tennis in China
cgtn.com
