The 23-year-old, a recent Columbia University graduate, advanced to the third round on Thursday and is enjoying a remarkable homecoming at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. Zheng trained at the venue between the ages of nine and 12 as part of the USTA\u2019s Feeder programme, long before he could have imagined returning as a Grand Slam competitor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Zheng, the surroundings carry memories that make his current run particularly significant.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t get many chances to hit on the outdoor courts; only a few because a lot of the programme was on the indoor (courts). But still just amazing to get the opportunity to see Court 17, and when you walk in the building, you can see all the stadiums and just getting the opportunity to come back and play here, I think makes it super special,\u201d Zheng told ATPTour.com.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Zheng grew up in New Jersey and regularly made the long journey to Flushing Meadows for training, often relying on public transport. His determination at that age left an impression on Jay Devashetty, who ran the programme and later helped give Zheng exposure to the professional game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrom a young age, he was a very disciplined, focused kid. He was motivated in the sense that him and his friend would travel from New Jersey from their house, take a bus to the train station, take a train from there to Penn Station and then take the subway all the way to Flushing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat was a hell of a ride for them and they would do that. The parents would pick them up in the evening. Sometimes they would go back on their own. So those two boys, they were traveling together a lot, and Michael was one of them,\u201d Jay Devashetty, a former national coach for the USTA, who led the programme, said of Zheng.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The discipline developed during those early years has remained a defining feature of Zheng\u2019s game. Devashetty believes his ability to make sensible choices under pressure has been one of the biggest reasons for his progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut the best thing about him now, and even back then, is his decision making. He was a very, very good decision maker. He rarely makes bad decisions on the court, doesn\u2019t attempt wild shots, doesn\u2019t attempt shots he knows that he can\u2019t really make. So he\u2019s pretty disciplined with that. I think the shot selection is probably his biggest strength,\u201d Devashetty added. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Zheng has since added greater firepower to that foundation, particularly with his forehand. His development included an early taste of the professional circuit when, at 15, he was given a chance to work as a hitting partner at the New York Open, sharing the court with established names such as John Isner and Ivo Karlovic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That experience helped accelerate his ambitions. Zheng later reached the Wimbledon boys\u2019 singles final in 2022 before building a standout collegiate career at Columbia, where he captured two NCAA singles titles. He has now carried that progress onto the biggest stage. Sitting at a career-high No. 88 in the ATP Live Rankings, Zheng faces Arthur Gea in the third round with a maiden Grand Slam fourth-round appearance within reach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the foundation laid in his childhood, Zheng credited the environment that shaped his game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That experience helped accelerate his ambitions. Zheng later reached the Wimbledon boys\u2019 singles final in 2022 before building a standout collegiate career at Columbia, where he captured two NCAA singles titles. He has now carried that progress onto the biggest stage. Sitting at a career-high No. 88 in the ATP Live Rankings, Zheng faces Arthur Gea in the third round with a maiden Grand Slam fourth-round appearance within reach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEveryone was very close in level, and then I always wanted to beat the guy I was across the net from and he was very good with the technical and tactical development I think at a young age like that. I think just making sure you had a lot of fun and enjoyed the sport, which is super important,\u201d Zheng said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n