Michael Zheng is not just playing tennis; he is building a unique career that merges academic excellence with professional ambition. As a senior at Columbia University, Zheng has already achieved a main draw victory at a Grand Slam, proving that his dual-track journey can deliver remarkable results.
Born in Virginia to Chinese immigrant parents and raised in New Jersey, Zheng’s love for tennis began at home. His father, a self-taught player, inspired him from a young age, naming him after legends Michael Chang and Michael Jordan. This foundation helped him reach the Wimbledon boys' final in 2022, signaling his potential on the global stage.
Instead of turning pro immediately, Zheng chose a path less traveled by top juniors: Columbia University. He recognized coach Howie Endelman’s ability to develop players and viewed college tennis as a stepping stone rather than a delay. At Columbia, he has thrived both on and off the court, winning two Ivy League team titles and two NCAA singles titles while majoring in psychology. Balancing academics and rigorous training in New York City, a non-traditional tennis hub, has strengthened his confidence and resilience.
Source: France 24
The early months of 2026 marked a breakthrough. Zheng navigated the Australian Open qualifying rounds to reach the main draw, highlighted by a stunning first-round win over Sebastian Korda. The victory was more than a milestone; it validated his readiness to compete at the highest level. Zheng’s experiences in college and Challenger events helped him handle the critical points that often define matches on the ATP Tour. His current ranking of 149 reflects a promising start, with more progress expected.
Professional tennis, however, has presented its challenges. Zheng experienced an adductor injury in Australia and faced a tough loss to Korda in Dallas. These setbacks underscored areas for improvement, particularly his serve and return game. Life on tour is a solitary grind, contrasting with the team environment of college tennis. Despite the isolation, these experiences motivate Zheng to fight harder for every point and extend his time in tournament draws.
Looking ahead, Zheng plans to lead Columbia back to the NCAA final eight before fully committing to the ATP Tour. With a schedule that includes prestigious tournaments such as Indian Wells, he is preparing for the demands of life as a touring professional. His combination of intellect, talent, and competitive experience makes him one of the most promising young players in American tennis.
