The Journey of Michael Zheng: From China’s Roots to the American Dream
At just 21 years old, Michael Zheng has claimed victory in his last three ATP Challenger events.
October 14, 2025
Natalie Kim
Meet Michael Zheng: A Rising Star in American Tennis.
By Grant Thompson
Michael Zheng’s inspiring rise through the ATP Challenger Tour is deeply intertwined with his family’s migration tale.
Before Michael entered the world, his parents made the bold decision to leave Hubei, China, to give him a shot at the ‘American dream.’ His father, Joe, embarked on a PhD journey in physics, while the tech boom propelled them into successful IT careers.
“They arrived in their late 20s or early 30s, and now they’ve been in the U.S. for nearly three decades,” Zheng shared with ATPTour.com. “You could say it’s the American dream.”
Upon settling in the U.S., Joe discovered tennis through friends and quickly became enamored with the game. This passion transformed into unwavering support for his son as Michael pursues his own tennis ambitions, inspired by his father’s admiration for Roger Federer.
Now a senior at Columbia University and just 21 years old, Zheng’s journey has already seen him achieve remarkable milestones, including winning the 2024 NCAA singles title—making him the first Ivy League champion in NCAA history since 1922.
Hailing from New Jersey, Zheng has made an impressive debut on the ATP Challenger Tour, securing titles in Chicago, Columbus, and Tiburon. His recent success in Tiburon places him among American legends like Jack Sock and Sam Querrey.
Michael Zheng is acclaimed as champion at the Tiburon Challenger. Photo by Natalie Kim.
Zheng’s breakthrough in Chicago was accelerated by the ATP Next Gen Accelerator program, designed to help talented collegiate players transition smoothly into the field of professional tennis.
“This program is incredibly beneficial. It motivates players to attend college and follow that path,” Zheng emphasized. “Achieving good results can catapult you straight into the Challenger circuit without the grind of Futures. It provides a clear pathway to success.”
Currently ranked a career-high No. 180 in the world, Zheng has soared over 500 spots since his initial Challenger appearance this season.
With an impressive record of 15 wins in his last 16 matches, Zheng manages to balance tennis triumphs with his academic commitments. All his classes at Columbia are in-person, demanding a delicate balance between rigorous travel and studies.
“I converse with my professors to determine how to best navigate my schedule,” Zheng explained. “Staying connected while on the road ensures I keep up with my coursework.”
Fortunately, juggling academics and tennis is not new to Zheng. This balancing act began during middle school when he frequently traveled to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“I would often miss my last two classes to attend practice,” he recounted, having won the New Jersey state singles title in 2021 while representing Delbarton School.
His passion for tennis sparked at a young age alongside his father and sister at their local courts, where Joe noticed Michael’s potential.
“He saw I had some talent and good hand-eye coordination,” Zheng recalled fondly. “His enthusiasm for the game truly motivated me to pursue it further.”
Though the early stages brought challenges, one constant presence remained: Zheng’s father, who steadfastly believed in his son’s potential as a professional tennis player.
“My dad always instilled confidence in me, reinforcing that I could succeed on the professional stage,” Zheng shared as he continues to work with his coach Ruan Roelofse.
With each passing week, Zheng is transforming possibility into legacy.
