A perfect conclusion and a dazzling new beginning, Zhang Rui'en envisions the future from the Australian Open.

The 2026 season is Zhang Rui'en’s last in the junior circuit, born in 2008, before she officially begins her adult professional journey after turning 18. While still a junior, she has regularly participated in adult competitions, achieving a highest WTA ranking of No. 638. In 2024, at the W50 Guiyang tournament, she advanced from qualifying all the way to the semifinals, and in 2025, she made her debut in a WTA Tour main draw at the China Open.

At this Australian Open, Zhang Rui'en entered as the 5th seed in women’s singles. She overcame the challenges of extreme heat and a tough draw stacked with strong opponents, battling through three sets in both the first and second rounds to defeat Jelenićeva and Lin Yuchen respectively. Although she narrowly lost to the 10th seed Zedai Yīn and missed out on the quarterfinals, reaching the round of 16 matched her personal best set at last year’s French Open. “The first two rounds of a Grand Slam are always the toughest. You have to adapt to the pace and face very strong opponents. I prepared myself mentally for tough battles before the tournament, which was key to winning,” Zhang Rui'en reflected on her hard-fought matches.

Melbourne Park holds many memories for Zhang Rui'en’s junior career. Last year, at her first junior Grand Slam appearance at the Australian Open, she successfully passed two rounds of qualifying and fought fiercely in the main draw’s first round against eventual champion Hachisuka Yuzu, narrowly losing in a final-set tiebreak by two points. Speaking about her special connection with the Australian Open, Zhang Rui'en said, “I really love the Australian Open. The facilities and services here are the best. This is my last time playing the junior Australian Open, so I’m just happy to be here. I don’t want to carry too much pressure; I just want to enjoy every day and play every point and match well.”

Currently, Zhang Rui'en’s father, Zhang Yilei, serves as her coach, while her mother and younger brother handle her fitness training, logistics support, and act as dedicated practice partners. Together, the family supports this young star’s tennis dream. In her final junior year, Zhang Rui'en has already set her sights on the adult circuit. When discussing her goals, her face shows anticipation and her eyes reveal determination and calmness: “I have a relatively high ranking in juniors and often face tough challenges. On the adult circuit, it will be me challenging others, so my mindset will be more relaxed. This year, I want to break into the top 300 in the WTA rankings. If I work hard next year, I’ll have a chance to qualify for Grand Slams.”

“I like to start points with my serve and also enjoy finishing rallies at the net. Changing the rhythm is my strength,” Zhang Rui'en explained. Her playing style is a blend inspired by her idols Federer and Nadal. The EZONE 98 racket provides her with excellent control, depth, and powerful spin, complementing her aggressive all-court game. In fact, Zhang Rui'en first emerged on the scene in 2018 at the YONEX Zheng Jie Cup National Finals, attracting attention and high expectations from industry insiders. Since then, YONEX has strongly supported this promising Chinese tennis star in her training and competitions.

With her Australian Open journey concluded, Zhang Rui'en’s forward momentum will not stop. Every training session and match she currently participates in is building her strength for the transition to the adult tour. She also plans to travel to Italy this year for clay-court preparation and to visit and learn at the Nadal Academy. The adult circuit is just ahead, and Zhang Rui'en is eager to head to her next tournament!

(Text and editing by Dato, photos by Li Jianyi)