New Year, New Role! Zhang Zhizhen Selected for ATP Player Advisory Council

On January 1, 2026, ATP’s official site revealed the 2026 Player Advisory Council roster. Zhang Zhizhen from China was elected for the first time, alongside Arevalo, Berrettini, and Borges as this year's four new player representatives, beginning their three-year term from 2026 through 2028. McDonald was re-elected for a second three-year term (also 2026-2028). Together with Carabelli, Martinez, Munar, Rublev, and Vavassori, they form the 2026 ATP Player Advisory Council.

The ATP Player Advisory Council members are elected by players themselves, with representatives chosen from specific ranking categories including singles ranked 1-50, singles ranked 51-100, doubles ranked 1-25, doubles ranked 1-50, and the overall players group, all elected by peers within their respective ranking groups.

2026 ATP Player Advisory Council Members

The ATP Player Advisory Council holds several meetings annually, where elected player representatives provide recommendations to the ATP management and board. These representatives must have broad influence among players, strong dedication to service, excellent communication skills, and solid administrative capabilities. This year’s first meeting will take place in Melbourne before the Australian Open.

Zhang Zhizhen has arrived in Sydney and will represent China for the third consecutive year at the United Cup. His first match of the new season is scheduled for the morning of January 3 Beijing time, where he will face Belgium’s Berrettini, currently ranked No. 42 in the world.

(Written and edited by Wang Fei)