Zhizhen Zhang surprised everyone at the tournament in Madrid and reached the quarterfinals, but in Rome the Chinese did not feel so well and left the competition at the Italian Forum in the first round of qualification.

Zhizhen ZhangPhoto: Oscar J Barroso/Dppi/Zuma Press/Profimedia

Zhizhen Zhang defeated by Francesco Maestrelli in Rome ATP Qualifier

Zhang knocked out favorites Denis Shapovalov (21), Cameron Norrie (11) and Taylor Fritz (8) in Madrid to become the first Chinese player to reach the quarter-finals of a Masters tournament. Then Zhizhen lost to Russian Aslan Karatsev, 7-6(3), 6-4.

In Rome, Zhang (69 ATP, No. 5 in qualification) had a marathon match with Italian Francesco Maestrelli (182 ATP): the home favorite won after two hours and 48 minutes of play with a score of 7-5, 2-6, 7-5.

The Chinese led in the deciding set 5-3, but Franesco rallied to win four games in a row.

Maestrelli will fight for a place in the main draw with the Iberian Pedro Martinez (142 ATP, favorite 23).

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia takes place from May 10 to 21 at the Foro Italico, is part of the Masters (ATP 1000) category, offers a total prize pool of €7,705,780 and a champion en-titre (title won in 2022). ) is Novak Djokovic.

The record for trophies in Rome belongs to Rafael Nadal: 10 (last won in 2021).