Playing in front of a home crowd, 22-year-old Chinese tennis player Bu has enjoyed a remarkable two weeks, marking several personal milestones in his career. He achieved his best ATP Tour performance last week by reaching the semifinals in Hangzhou, where he ultimately lost to fellow Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen.
Bu’s confidence soared as he advanced to the semifinals in Beijing, defeating Lorenzo Musetti and sixth-ranked Andrey Rublev, both in straight sets, with the enthusiastic support of the local crowd. Coming into the Beijing tournament with a career-high ranking of 96, Bu faced world number one Jannik Sinner and put up a tough fight, ultimately losing 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).
Sinner, the defending champion and recent US Open winner, described the match as “very tough and tricky,” impressed by Bu’s performance. This encounter marked their first meeting on tour, and Sinner praised Bu’s all-around game, noting, “He was very solid. He doesn’t really have big weaknesses—forehand, backhand, good serve, and a strong return game. You have to earn every point against him. Physically, he’s good.”
At just a year older than Bu, Sinner has already amassed 16 ATP titles, including two Grand Slam victories. However, Bu’s journey to the top has been markedly different from that of many of his peers who are often groomed for success from a young age and receive extensive support.
The pandemic further complicated Bu’s development at a critical time in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “This is only my third year on the professional tour. I started quite late and turned pro later than many players.”
With his recent achievements, Bu is set to break into the world’s top 70 rankings for the first time, signaling a promising future ahead. “Much more is to come,” he added, hinting at his ambitions for growth and success in the sport.
Bu has garnered a significant following, not just for his recent tennis achievements, but also due to his inspiring journey from challenging beginnings. “The path I have taken is different from others,” he stated, reflecting on his unique experiences.
Hailing from Xinjiang in far-western China, Bu has a Mongolian name and a story that resonates deeply with many. His father passed away when he was young, and after his mother remarried, he was raised by his grandparents. Seeking a better future, Bu was sent to a children’s charity, which marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey toward elite tennis.
At the tender age of five, he moved to eastern China, where his dedication and talent eventually led him to become the first Chinese man to reach the semifinals in Beijing. Yu Jinxing, who became his lifelong coach, recognized Bu’s determination, stating, “You could see the desire and fighting spirit in his eyes.”
Bu idolizes Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion known for his tenacity and resilience, especially after his recent retirement due to injuries. “His belief in success despite failures resonates with me,” Bu expressed, emphasizing the impact Murray has had on his mindset.
“Starting from the ground up has grounded me,” Bu reflected, acknowledging that while his progress may be slower than that of others, it is steady and substantial.
Bu is set to continue his journey this week at the Shanghai Masters, where he hopes to build on his recent successes and inspire others with his remarkable story.
