Mario Ancic on Michael Cheng: ‘What he does is outstanding’ | ATP Tour

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Mario Ancic on Michael Cheng: ‘He’s great at what he does’

The former world number seven gives exclusive insight into Cheng’s game, mentality and success

January 20, 2026

One of the best stories from the Australian Open was the breakout of Columbia University senior Michael Cheng, who earned his first major main draw berth before defeating Sebastian Korda to reach the second round.

The 21-year-old is not the only one linked to both the Colombian team and the ATP Tour. Mario Ancic, a former PIF ATP No. 7 player who defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2002 and reached the semifinals two years later, attended Columbia University School of Law and graduated in 2015.

The Croatian remains in New York as head of private equity firm One Equity Partners. The 41-year-old has followed the Colombian tennis team closely over the years and got to know the players, including Zheng.

“I think what he does is special, he’s a very humble guy, very humble kid,” Ancic told ATPTour.com. “What all these guys are doing: going to class — very intensely — competing against the best and brightest nationally and internationally, and then still committing to being a part of a program that’s in the top 10 in the country, it’s just inspiring.”

Ancic remains in close contact with head coach Howard Endelman and had heard about him even before he started playing for the Ivy League. In 2022, Zheng Zhi broke into the Wimbledon men’s singles final.

“He’s been heavily recruited. I believe he’s already had some great results in the Junior Grand Slams and I’m happy to see someone who’s already had a lot of success at the ITF [level] “I was determined to play for Colombia,” Ancic said. “I actually remember him from when he was a freshman. We talked and I met his family. He has a great family behind him and it’s obviously very exciting to talk to him, play with him and see the success he’s had since. ”

Ancic always thought the two-time NCAA singles champion played a great game entering college and felt Zheng was a hard-working, very dedicated person.

“He’s never in a hurry. I see a lot of young players saying, ‘I have to play in the ATP, I have to do this, I have to do that’. He takes his time to develop his game,” Ancic said. “I think he’s developed physically, which is always important.”

The Croatian noted that Cheng getting stronger and adding muscle with the help of the Colombian coaching staff was equally important to his development as a player.

“I think it also helped him develop some bigger shots and more weapons. His question was always, ‘What do I need to do to compete with the pros?'” Ancic said. “I see him developing that game, developing bigger shots, a bigger game that effectively helps him ‘hurt’ other players with bigger weapons. I think that’s a testament to him, his family and the program.”

Ancic not only understands the tennis side of what Zheng is going through, but he is one of the few who can put himself in the academic shoes of his fellow Lion. Zheng not only trains hard to improve on the tennis court, but he also excels in the classroom.

“It’s a commitment. You live in New York. They have classes, they live on campus. It’s on 116th Street, the tennis courts are on 218th Street. So not everything is there. You have to commute,” Ancic said. “New York is not the easiest city to commute to [in]so the days are still very long. I know these guys…the team will study after midnight, early in the morning, get ready for class, but still give it their all and do their best on the tennis court.

“Comporting back and forth between the tennis center and campus and completing a rigorous academic program is an amazing thing in itself, and the fact that Michael was able to reach this level through this program and represent the Lions in the best way possible makes all of us very proud.”

Ancic understands what it takes to be successful on and off the court. When a player who has beaten Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray cheers for someone as much as he does Zheng Zhi – who will next face Corentin Moutet in Melbourne – it says it all.

“He always had a great demeanor, believed in himself, always tried his best, fought. You always knew Michael was going to give it his all on the court. That’s what always resonated with me when I watched the games,” Ancic said. “This kid is a true example of a student-athlete. He’s committed to the program, he’s committed to the course, he’s committed to the team, in the sense that every time I watch him play, he always gives 100 percent.

“Of course, when you have this mentality, many times in tennis you have a chance to win the match. If you are stable, if you are mentally strong, opportunities will arise in tennis. He has always had this talent himself.”

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Another Croatian, former world No. 3 Marin Cilic, watched 30 minutes of Zheng Zhi’s first match against Korda. “It’s really, really fun,” Cilic said of the college star. “A player. [who] There is a very diverse game. He does a lot of things well. You still see it’s a work in progress, which is to say, if he works hard over the next two, three, four years, he can absolutely develop into a great player. what i like [him] was [he was] Playing in a Grand Slam for the first time, playing Sebastian, he’s a fantastic player with incredible composure, as well as the physical ability and mental ability to hold up and win in five games. “