The most interesting match this week is the rematch of the Michael Zheng five set 1R AO win vs Sebastian Korda. The two Americans will duel again tonight in Dallas.
Since his stunning 2R from qualies AO adventure, Zheng has gone backwards by returning to Columbia University match play which included a big upset loss to an little known Michigan player named Dahlin. Of course, you know the deal. Since Zheng emerged in Australia as a rising star, he now wears a giant X on his back and his a target for all the young and hungry unknowns looking to make a mark.
Some pundits question Zheng’s decision to regress his career by going back to college action instead of gaining more pro experience in Challengers, 250s, 500s and perhaps Davis Cup. To go back to college is in some ways like a Rhodes Scholar going back to high school. Been there, done that. Zheng has won the NCAA singles title two times already.
But extraordinary talents like Zheng do it their way. It has been their decision making that has elevated him to the top 150 in the world and at 22 what’s the hurry? If he feels an enormous loyalty to the Columbia program and feels it’s his duty to maintain his commitment to his teammates and coach for this last season, then it speaks volumes of his character and honor. While most players go straight for the money, Zheng is his own unique character with his own values and system.
There is no doubt Korda is keen on avenging the loss in Melbourne and is somewhat desperate to re-establish himself as a top 30 range player, or higher, as many tennis observers believe he should be a top ten stalwart if not for his injuries. Korda played San Diego Challenger and lost in the final to Trevor Svajda before arriving in Dallas.
Tonight is intriguing for many reasons. How will Zheng deal with the spotlight all his ATP matches will attract? How will he respond to being a marked man? Was the AO shock upset of Korda a fluke or a sign of many more astounding triumphs? Korda’s mediocre results the last couple of years have dimmed his once shining star power. Has he maxed out in his professional career and accepted a destiny of being a journeyman level player? Or does he have the burning desire and hunger to become the top American or even better?
We will learn a lot tonight when Korda an Zheng lay it on the line at the Dallas Open.
Dallas Open · Michael Zheng · Sebastian Korda