2026 didn’t have to wait long for its first ‘banger’. The match between Zhang and Bergs, if the highlights are anything to go by, was a real contest.
Zhang won 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-5. It’s good to have him back. The world no.410 has been off with injury (shoulder)and if this match is anything to go by, getting close to his previous high of 31, achieved in summer 2024, isn’t out of the question. The 29 year old has a great all court game and plenty of spirit and clearly a lot more to give at the tail end of his career.
As for Bergs, he’s been grinding away for a good few years now and looks to be a solid top 40 player now (ranked 39). In fact, he’s at a similar stage Zhang was before injury derailed him. He’s a solid player not afraid of the net and plenty of people are willing to bet on him causing the odd upset and going on a nice run. He’s got personality, too, and is one to watch out for.
Meanwhile, Wawrinka beat Rinderknech in 3. It’s Stanimal’s last year on tour. Hardly a shock seeing as he’s aged 40. Ranked 157, he’ll play a nice cameo this season, wheeled out by tournament director’s for long goodbyes. I’d forgotten he was even still plying his trade on the tour and so it’ll be fun to see him at Roland Garros or the USO having one last go at being the ultimate slam winning upset artist.
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