Michael Zheng didn’t get the chance to train too often on the outdoor courts back in the day when he would make the trek from New Jersey to Flushing Meadows to train at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but the few times he was able to, he remembers the view.
“Just amazing to get the opportunity to see kind of Court 17, and you walk in the building, you can see all the stadiums,” he remembered before bringing it back to the current time. “And just getting the opportunity to come back and play here, I think, makes it super special.”
The former Columbia University tennis star and Montville, N.J., native can now say he’s gotten used to the outdoor courts as he’s moved on to the third round in this year’s U.S. Open, defeating Yunchaokete Bu 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 in front of a boisterous crowd on Court 12.
Zheng’s connection to the tri-state has made him a must-watch during the first week of the tournament, with crowds flocking to whichever court he’s appearing on.
During Thursday night’s second-round match, constant chants of “Let’s Go Michael” echoed during stoppages of play, among others, and the court was so crowded that some fans had to go to nearby Court 11 and watch from there.
“I think it’s just amazing. So many people are coming to watch me play, as well as my opponent,” he said. “He had quite a few supporters as well. They were kind of going at it with the chants and cheers, which was pretty funny to see kind of that college tennis atmosphere, which is honestly perfect for me.
“It’s something I’ve played the last four years, so it’s been amazing to see all of the alums, all my teammates turning an ATP match into a college tennis match, which is amazing.”
Michael Zheng will face lucky loser Arthur Gea in the third round on Saturday, giving him a bit of a break before getting back on the court.
But for the New Jersey native, who has known the grounds quite well, his run thus far “exceeded all expectations.”
“I think it’s lived up to and honestly exceeded [them],” Zheng said.
