All there is to know about Zhang Jike, the retired Chinese table tennis player

Zhang Jike is a retired Chinese table tennis player regarded as one of the best of his time. During his active career, he was crowned world champion seven times, ITTF World Cup singles and doubles champion six times and is the fourth male table tennis player in history to complete a career Grand Slam.

The Chinese table tennis player has won several competitions, including the London Olympics 2012, the 2011 World Cup, and the 2011 WTTC. He went down in history as the fastest Grand Slam winner in the sport's history. Here is everything you need to know about Zhang Jike, the retired Chinese table tennis player.

Zhang Jike's profile summary

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How old is Zhang Jike?

Zhang Jike (35 years of age as of November 2023) was born on 16 February 1988 in Qingdao, Shandong, China, to Chuanming and Xu Xiying. His father, Chuanming, was a table tennis player and thus influenced his son's career path.

Zhang Jike's career

Zhang Jike's achievements are astounding, given how swiftly he completed the Grand Slam in 445 days. He won all three major titles in just over a year, marking him the fastest player in history to complete the grand slam.

He began playing table tennis when he was five years old and was recruited into a sports school when he was seven. He rose to worldwide prominence after winning the men's singles title at the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals in 2006.

During his career, Zhang earned three World Cup singles championships, four gold medals at the World Championships, and two Olympic gold medals. He is renowned for his forceful forehand, deft movement, and aggressive style of play.

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Zhang Jike's equipment

Jike used a Butterfly Viscaria for his blade, in his backhand was a Butterfly Tenergy 80, and in his forehand was a DHS Hurricane 3 neo-National blue sponge. He was a two-winged shakehand attacker who employed a variety of topspin driving assaults, counters, and loops.

Why did Zhang Jike retire?

During the Tokyo Olympics, the former Chinese legend suffered from a congenital lumbosacral fissure. With the afflicted injuries, the quality of his veneer was severely impaired, and he was unable to compete, which led to his retirement.

What happened to Zhang Jike?

The retired Chinese table tennis world champion allegedly has massive gambling debts and was accused of uploading personal films of his ex-girlfriend, Chinese actress Jing Tian.

As a result of the controversy, brands began to cut relations with the athlete. Anta, one of the sports brands with which he had an existing endorsement arrangement, stated that their collaboration with him had ended.

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What is Zhang Jike's net worth?

According to IdolNetWorth.com, the renowned table tennis legend has a net worth of approximately $10 million. He made most of his income through his career alongside brand endorsements and sponsorship deals.

Earnings

Reports state at the pinnacle of his career in 2016, Zhang earned roughly $8.4 million annually, making him the second-highest-paid athlete in China. However, most of his riches are said to have been squandered owing to erratic spending habits and gambling.

Frequently asked questions

Despite going through various challenges in his career, Jike made a way for himself and rose to become the world's champion. Owing to his achievements, here are some frequently asked questions about him.

1. What racket did Zhang Jike use?

Jike used a Butterfly Viscaria for his blade; in his backhand was a Butterfly Tenergy 80, and in his forehand was a DHS Hurricane 3 neo-National blue sponge. He was a two-winged shakehand attacker who employed a variety of topspin driving assaults, counters, and loops.

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2. What is Zhang Jike's nationality and ethnicity?

He is a Chinese national of an Asian ethnic background.

3. What rubber did Zhang Jike use?

In his career, the Chinese legend used Tenergy 05 and Tenergy 64 as his rubber.

4. Is Zhang Jike coming back?

The great legend has been away from the table tennis world for a long period. However, he has just returned, but only to have fun with the fans.

5. What was Zhang Jike's playing style?

The former Chinese legend's strength was driving assaults, counters, and loops. Moreover, he was a two-winged shakehand player who maximised thrust by utilising the tougher blue sponge H3 Neo.

6. Who is Zhang Jike's wife?

The famed figure has been in two relationships, both ending in separation. He first dated Liu Shiwen and Tian Jing, a Chinese actress, from 2018 to 2019. As of November 2023, it appears Jike is not married or in any relationship.

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Final word

Zhang Jike rose to prominence with his nearly unreturnable forehand pendulum serve, astounding forehand smashes, and backhand side twists that confused his opponents and delighted supporters. His assertive approach enabled him to enter the top 10 worldwide rankings. Even though he is no longer competing, he has made his mark on the sport's history.

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