Tennis-Zhang becomes first Chinese man to qualify for Wimbledon in Open era

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Nottingham Open - Nottingham Tennis Centre, Nottingham, Britain - June 8, 2021 China's Zhizhen Zhang in action during his round of 32 match against Italy's Andreas Seppi Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington

(Reuters) - Zhang Zhizhen will be the first Chinese man in the Open era to play in the main draw at Wimbledon next week after the world No. 178 booked his place by defeating Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-0 6-3 6-7(4) 7-6(6) in the qualifiers on Thursday.

The 24-year-old is only the fourth Chinese man to play singles in the main draw of a Grand Slam since the Open era began in 1968.