Collective effort

With the likes of Wu and Shang also picking up their games, Zhang predicts China's men's players can catch up with their elite female counterparts.

Highlighted by Li Na's two major singles titles (2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open), Chinese women's tennis has eclipsed the men's game for years. The Chinese women have also enjoyed success in doubles (Olympic gold at Athens 2004 and multiple Grand Slam wins).

The meteoric rise of youngster Zheng Qinwen (No 25) and steady form of veteran Zhang Shuai (No 24) this season have reaffirmed China's pedigree on the women's tour.

However, now there is real hope that the men can follow suit, underscored by the revival of 2017 US Open boys' champion Wu, who reached the last 32 at Flushing Meadows this year, and the potential of 17-year-old Shang, who won his first ATP Challenger title in Lexington, Kentucky in August.

Despite trailing Zhang Zhizhen in the rankings, Wu's form this year suggests he could eventually surpass the veteran.

"Like I said before, I knew I would come back. It just took a little bit longer than expected," Wu said after becoming the first male Chinese mainland player to reach the third round in New York last month after battling through injuries over the past three years.

"The future is bright for Chinese men's tennis. I believe more breakthroughs will come should we keep improving our game on the pro stage."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn