World number one Fan Zhendong stands in the center of every fan's sight, and his basic information needs little introduction. This time he came to the Lion City to participate in the WTT Singapore Grand Slam, where Fan Zhendong aims to defend his title. Since April 2020, Fan Zhendong has occupied the throne of the world number one in the men's singles table tennis rankings, which has left other players in the table tennis world in awe. So, what qualities do you need to be at the top of the sport?
Former WTT Singapore Grand Slam champions Fan Zhendong (left) and Chen Meng recently appeared at the OCBC Bank Indoor Stadium in Singapore
The first is the champion mentality. Known for his ferocious strength and relentless efforts to become the best fighter, Fan has a large following around the world, and his fan base continues to expand with each successful ascent to the top. But it's not just his supporters who admire him a lot. Fan Zhendong is also regarded by many professional players as a great competitor, and there is no doubt that he is the vanguard in the men's singles field. But the Chinese icon is not complacent, knowing that if he wants to stay at the top in a sport where every detail matters, he must give it his all. "I think I do have my strengths, but it should depend on how far I can bring out to my best potential. For a sport like table tennis, which requires speed and precision, physical fitness, mental strength and strategy, players compete against each other at the highest level. Personally, every game I have with them, including all the top players, has been exciting and enjoyable. ”
Fan Zhendong at the 2023 WTT Singapore Grand Slam match picture 1
In 2013, the 26-year-old won his first men's singles title at a high-level event on the international stage. At that time, Fan Zhendong won the ITTF Tour Poland Open men's singles championship, becoming the youngest men's singles champion in the history of the ITTF Tour. In the decade since, he has gone on to enjoy an amazing career, learning all the key lessons life has to offer, especially when things don't go according to his own plan.
Every contestant hates failure, but it's only at its lowest point that character is truly tested. Today, the more experienced Fan Zhendong is more likely to see his own shortcomings. "Honestly, the result of the game was beyond my control. All I can do is give it my all. I will give it my all to win. I slowly learned to deal with losing games and face defeat with the right attitude. I think from another point of view, losing is an opportunity to improve yourself. ”
However, even the world number one player needs time alone himself. Fan Zhendong is first and foremost a sports fan, he especially enjoys watching basketball games during his break and wholeheartedly believes in the importance of being disconnected from the table tennis game from time to time. "I think every athlete performs differently on and off the field. Privately, of course, I am a different person. I think I'm more focused on the pitch. In my personal life, I am more relaxed and try to wear different hats. I try not to think about table tennis. I want to relax once in a while. ”
Fan Zhendong won his first World Table Tennis Championships
Secondly, there is still a desire to succeed. Especially in the past few years, there have been many very important moments in Fan's career. Fan Zhendong not only made his singles debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but also won the men's singles title at the 2021 World Championships in Houston, fulfilling his lifelong dream. Not to mention that at last year's Singapore Grand Slam, he went down in history as the first men's singles champion. It was through these achievements that Fan Zhendong began to forge his own legacy and unique path, distinguishing himself from previous legends.
Fan Zhendong at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
A consummate professional footballer, despite his incredible success, Fan remained humble, attracting the attention of his fans and praising the important role they have played over the years. In both good and bad times, Fan heard the support of his fans and was determined to bring them to him as he continued to pursue his dreams. "During the Tokyo Olympics, the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston and a range of other competitions, I could feel everyone's support for me. After some achievements, I will continue to work hard. I want to go above and beyond. I hope that through these years of playing, whatever the outcome, it will help me become a better and more mature player. I hope to work harder and achieve better results in the next races. ”
Fan Zhendong at the 2023 WTT Singapore Grand Slam match picture 2
In the 2023 WTT Singapore Grand Slam Men's Singles Quarterfinals, Fan Zhendong will face Swedish rising star Trus Moregaard, let's cheer for Fan Zhendong together!