Zhu Lin transforms into a devoted fan to express her admiration for Safin, revealing how she followed him from the US Open all the way to Beijing and finally fulfilled her wish to take a photo together.

After winning her first-round match at the WTA Ningbo event, Chinese star Zhu Lin surprisingly showed her “fan girl” side during the interview. When asked about her photo with tennis legend Safin during the China Open, her eyes lit up instantly as she excitedly recounted the whole journey—from missing the chance to meet him at the US Open to finally achieving her dream of a photo at the China Open—revealing a sincere and charming side of a professional player off the court.

In the interview, Zhu Lin openly expressed her admiration for Safin: “I really mustered up the courage to ask for a photo with him because his poster has been on my bedroom wall since I was a kid!”

Recalling her fondness for Safin with a smile, Zhu Lin said she thought he was handsome and played well when she was young. In her words, “He was perfect in every way, and his personality was both cool and captivating.”

Now the coach of Rublev, the 2005 Australian Open champion was once known for his rebellious spirit on the tennis court. The Russian “Tsar” remains a top idol for many Chinese fans, and Zhu Lin’s fan story vividly illustrates Safin’s timeless appeal across generations.

However, Zhu Lin revealed that her path as a fan wasn’t smooth. She described how she actually ran into Safin, who was coaching Rublev, during the US Open this year but missed the chance to meet him because of her busy training schedule.

“In the end, my fitness coach actually went and took a photo with him without telling me!” she said with a mix of laughter and frustration. “I was so upset at that moment and vowed to definitely ‘catch’ him in Beijing.”

Fortunately, her persistent wait ended happily at the China Open. Zhu Lin not only succeeded in taking a photo with her idol but also had this “fan meeting” permanently captured by the tournament’s official photographer. Overflowing with joy while sharing this experience, the photo quickly went viral on social media, with fans joking, “This is the ultimate ‘fan victory’—from a poster on the wall to a shot side by side!”

In response, tennis commentators said, “Zhu Lin’s story shows fans that players are ordinary people with youthful memories. This appreciation across generations perfectly represents the spirit passed down in tennis.” Many netizens also commented, “Safin symbolizes a generation’s first tennis love, and it’s romantic that active players still have ‘fan girls’ for him.”

Many online users empathized with Zhu Lin’s experience. One commented, “I totally understand her excited tone! Who wouldn’t be flustered meeting their childhood idol?” Another said, “Safin is still so charismatic that he can turn current players into little fans.” Some joked, “How did the fitness coach ‘steal’ the photo opportunity? That cracked me up! But this photo is truly precious. The look of a dream come true is beautiful, and I wish Zhu Lin continued success at Ningbo!”

From the missed chance at the US Open to the joyful dream fulfillment at the China Open, Zhu Lin’s “fan success story” not only offers fans a heartwarming glimpse but also reveals another side of professional players—beyond wins and losses, they share the same passionate beginnings and shine brightly while chasing their idols just like everyone else.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)