History in Dallas: Wu becomes first Chinese man to reach ATP singles final

China’s Yibing Wu created history at the Dallas Open on Saturday as the 23-year-old upset top seed Taylor Fritz to become the first player from his country to reach an ATP singles final in the Open Era.

Wu, the 2017 US Open boys singles champion, won a tight contest 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4 to score his first ever top 10 win. In the process, Wu is also assured of becoming the highest-ever ranked Chinese player in the ATP world rankings on Monday.

Having started the week at No 97, Wu will climb to at least No 76 on Monday and could climb higher if he wins the final. Waiting for him there is another American, the No 5 seed John Isner, who defeated countryman J.J. Wolf 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4) in the first semi-final of the day.

Wu, who did not compete between March 2019 and December 2021 due to injuries, had scored wins over American Michael Mmoh (6-3, 3-6, 6-3), Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the No 3 seed (7-6 (1), 6-4) and Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, the No 8 seed (6-3, 6-4) earlier in the tournament.

“When I’m playing tonight, I wasn’t thinking about the score or winning or losing. I’m just trying to perform my best,” Wu said during his on-court interview. “You guys (the fans) are amazing, cheering for us every point. Thanks, guys!”

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