Former NCAA champion Zheng triumphs in US Open debut
Michael Zheng, a 22-year-old wildcard from Columbia University, won his US Open main-draw debut by defeating Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in straight sets. The match, interrupted by rain, saw Zheng break serve five times and lose only one service game. He credited his college teammates for their support during the victory.
Zheng’s path to this moment traces back to childhood commutes from Montville, New Jersey, where he traveled alone by bus and subway to train at the national center. His parents, immigrants from China, saw him become Columbia’s first NCAA singles champion since 1906, a title he defended in 2024 before graduating with a psychology degree.
His 2026 breakout includes qualifying for the Australian Open and beating Sebastian Korda in five sets, reaching the French Open main draw, and advancing to Wimbledon’s third round. Against Marozsan, he won 92.3% of first-serve points and hit 33 winners against 17 unforced errors, with college teammates providing vocal support throughout the rain-delayed match.
This victory may signal a shift in how college-trained players are perceived on the professional circuit, potentially encouraging more top juniors to consider NCAA programs rather than turning pro early. Zheng’s success could also boost tennis interest among Asian-American communities and inspire greater investment in collegiate tennis pathways, while his New York roots may strengthen local engagement with the sport at the grassroots level.