Xinmin Sports | Fan Zhendong encountered "unfamiliar environment" in the Bundesliga, and exclusively connected with German teammates and opponents, and everyone loved him!

No matter the win or loss, the opening match of the 2025-2026 German Table Tennis League (TTBL) held in the German town of Sarbrücken last night has become an unforgettable mark in the hearts of the Golden Slam Fan Zhendong and Frenchman Ruiz. The Saarbrücken Club where Fan Zhendong is located lost 1-3 to Berg New City Club, and Fan Zhendong lost both games as a single. Ruiz, who ranked 302nd in the world, admitted after the game: "I did my best, but Fan Zhendong has not yet reached the best state." Duda, who defeated Fan Zhendong for the first time, could not hide his excitement: "I enjoy playing in front of so many spectators." How did they win? Why do they all like Fan Zhendong? A reporter from Xinmin Evening News immediately connected with the German Federal Table Tennis Team and Federal Training Base coach Zhu Xiaoyong, as well as Fan Zhendong's teammates and opponents after the game to tell the behind-the-scenes scenes of this opening game.

"Box Office Miracle" in the gongs and drums

In the gymnasium of the Salbrücken Table Tennis Club in Germany, crisp gongs and drums were heard one after another. This is not the excitement of the traditional Chinese temple fair, but the scene of the opening match of the league. 2,500 spectators filled the town's stadium, and fans holding Chinese slogans "Come on Fan Zhendong" can be seen everywhere, and 80% of the spectators are from Chinese supporters. Zhu Xiaoyong, who drove for three and a half hours, told reporters: "In the past, in a Bundesliga match, the number of people watching the game on site was less than 1,000, and only the audience in the finals could reach 2,000." In order to meet the needs, the venue temporarily added event stands and seats, which is also the first time in the history of the club to expand the capacity for a single game. The popularity outside the field has long surpassed the results of the game itself. Tickets were sold out 72 hours after the sale. The original price of 25 euros was sold to 180 euros by scalpers, and it is still difficult to get a ticket. This hot scene was last seen in the grand scene that Boer had just debuted 20 years ago. German media bluntly stated that Fan Zhendong is a "box office magnet", and Salbrücken executive Bender said more excitedly: "Fan Zhendong let the world know Sal, Germany, which is more effective than any tourism promotion."

The "humble and strong man" in the eyes of teammates

German Francesca is one of Fan Zhendong's good friends in Europe. "Fan Zhendong is a very humble person, although we have had sex in many games. He has done it, but in private he likes to communicate with us very much and has no airs of a championship at all. "As the captain of the club, Francesca followed Fan Zhendong to practice twice a day this week. When he saw his mentor Zhu Xiaoyong, recalling the days when his master once treated him, he sighed: "I only now understand why Fan Zhendong can always defeat me. Even if I play well, he will be defeated by him in the end." Just looking at the daily training volume, he sighed. "Fan Zhendong's ball is very accurate, with many changes, which is really difficult to understand." After losing last night, Francesca immediately stepped forward and gently stroked Fan Zhendong's back and took him back to the locker room to calm down. "Fan Zhendong is very professional. He can accept the defeat soon and is already planning how to win the ball back in the next game. I believe him." Francesca's words were full of trust.

Blessings after the opponent wins

Why can Ruiz, who ranked 302nd in the world, beat the Olympic champion? The player who failed to be selected for the French national team admitted: "From paper strength, Fan Zhendong's level is more than 20 times higher than mine." But he seized the key: "I know that if you give it a try and fight fearlessly, and change more in the game, you will have a chance to win." Since Ruiz was not selected for the French national team, he rarely had the opportunity to participate in high-level events. Currently, he ranked only 302nd in the world. Ruiz has accumulated experience in fighting with experts in the European arena. In last night's game, he maintained a fighting posture throughout the whole game and had no psychological burden at all. "I understand Fan Zhendong very much. This is a brand new league. He needs time to adapt, including the living environment. "Ruiz sent his blessings after the game. "It is not easy for him to come to Germany to make a living alone. I hope he can adapt to everything here soon."

The new test of the table and environment

Zhu Xiaoyong, who is familiar with Sino-German table tennis, believes that Fan Zhendong did not let go last night, and the characteristics of the Tibhar (Tangling) table are a reason. "The ball's rotation and landing point are different from the ball tables he trained in the past." Basically, Chinese players' performance in international competitions is not very good. More importantly, Fan Zhendong has been distracted from the international arena since the Paris Olympics. The new environment and super high attention make him a little restrained. "You see, he has never shouted out in the game, but he still feels he has stopped it." Zhu Xiaoyong analyzed. However, he firmly believes that with Fan Zhendong's technical and tactical skills and psychological adjustment ability, he can quickly adapt to the Bundesliga environment and "look forward to the first victory in the next away game." In fact, after winning two gold medals at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, Liu Guoliang's first appearance when he participated in the German League also ended in failure. Indeed, victory or defeat is common among military strategists. The league has just opened. It is undoubtedly more exciting to see how much effect Fan Zhendong will have in the Bundesliga next.