Zhang and Shang healed and happy to be home in Beijing

BEIJING -- Zhang Zhizhen does not have to go far to be reminded of his injury comeback. The 28-year-old former No.31 was working the autograph line at the China Open when he was given an unorthodox request. He couldn't help but laugh.

"Somebody asked me to sign a box of bandages," Zhang told reporters on Media Day at the China Open. "This is a very interesting gift.

"I hope they don't ever need to use bandages like these."

Now ranked No.192 after a six-month layoff due to a shoulder injury, Zhang says he was stunned by the reception he received when he began his comeback last week in Hangzhou.

"I didn't expect that many fans cheering for me because I hadn't competed for six months. Indeed I saw many fans. I thought these fans might be watching other players. But coming here with so many people cheering for me, I thank them for their support and help in the past six months."

Buoyed by the support of the local fans, Zhang was able to win his first match back, a tough three-set win over his compatriot Bu Yunchaokete. Now, he's ready to take on a qualifier in the first round at China Open, where he could face World No.2 Jannik Sinner in the second round.

"Before [Hangzhou] I never played two sets straights [in] the practice, never. Always separate. In the morning we have one set, afternoon we have another half set. We never go through two sets straight.

"First match we go for the three set, almost full. I'm pretty happy that everything was kind of healthy, yeah."

Zhang is feeling healthy enough to pull double-duty in Beijing. He's set to play doubles with his good friend Shang Jungcheng, who is in the early stages of his own injury comeback. Shang, 20, was hampered by a foot injury that kept him off the court for six months. He underwent surgery for the injury in March.

But Shang was all smiles as he met with the press on Tuesday. He's just happy to be home.

"I think always the crowd brings you extra energy," Shang said. "You're willing to fight maybe 20% more than what you're usually doing on the court.

"For me, again, it's one of the most important weeks in my life, playing the China season, and Beijing also. I grew up here, it's my hometown. This tournament matters to me the most. Really hope to do good here."

As Shang prepares for his opening match, he has had to balance his training with being the locker room's de facto concierge.

"In the locker room, we're all transparent," he said. "We ask each other things. I think most of the players I'm really close with. They like to ask me where to hang out.

"So many great places. Obviously the Great Wall is one of the historical landmarks in China. Maybe not ideal if you play the day before, you're going to be really tired," he said, laughing.

"I think all these scenes just outside the city are very beautiful. Also you can see the big skyscrapers if you go into the city."

Whether on court or off court, Zhang and Shang will be doing everything they can to soak up the positive energy from playing in front of their boisterous fans at the National Tennis Center.

"We've known each other since we were boys," Shang said. "He is a big brother to me. We have a really good relationship.

"To pair together in the China season, to feel the warmth of the hometown, home court, to practice together, to go to different activities together, this is a really good thing."