Fajing Sun has emerged as one of China’s most promising tennis talents, carving a niche in both singles and doubles circuits. With a career marked by steady progress and strategic partnerships, here’s an in-depth look at his journey, achievements, and financial standing.
Fajing Sun’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fajing Sun |
| Born | October 3, 1996 (Age 28) |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Playing Style | Right-handed, Two-handed backhand |
Early Career
Fajing Sun’s tennis journey began on Shanghai’s public courts, where he first gripped a racket at age six.
His parents, spotting raw talent, enrolled him in a local academy by eight, kickstarting a routine of dawn-to-dusk training balanced with schoolwork. By 12, he dominated regional junior events, earning the nickname “Swift Shadow” for his blistering court coverage. Coaches praised his two-handed backhand—a stroke he refined into a tactical weapon during endless drills.
At 16, faced with choosing academics or tennis, Sun opted for the latter, dropping out to train full-time under Wang Zhijun, a former Davis Cup player. The gamble paid off in 2014 when he claimed the China Junior Tennis Championships in Guangzhou, showcasing a fearless net game that bewildered higher-ranked rivals.
His pro breakthrough arrived in 2016 via a wildcard doubles entry at the Chengdu Open, partnering He Yecong. Though they fell in the first round, the exposure to ATP-level tactics proved invaluable.
For the next three years, Sun grinded through Asia’s ITF Futures circuit, often bunking in budget hotels between matches. Persistence bore fruit in 2018 when he clinched his maiden Futures doubles title in Thailand, deploying clever lobs and sharp angles to outmaneuver taller opponents.
By 2019, his singles game surged, highlighted by a marathon semifinal run at the M15 Jakarta tournament, where he rallied from a set down against Australia’s Matthew Romios in a three-hour slugfest. These gritty displays cemented his reputation as a tenacious baseliner, using relentless defense to wear down foes.
Though hindered by a modest serve (rarely exceeding 110 mph), his elite footwork and anticipation propelled him onto the ATP Challenger circuit by 2022—marking his arrival on tennis’ global stage.
Professional Career
Fajing Sun’s professional career has been a story of gradual ascension through tennis’ ranks, marked by perseverance in both singles and doubles. After turning pro in 2016, he struggled initially on the ATP Tour, losing four consecutive doubles matches across Chengdu and Shenzhen Opens with various partners.
His breakthrough came on the ATP Challenger circuit, where he claimed three doubles titles—notably at the 2017 Suzhou Challenger and 2024 Hangzhou Challenger—showcasing his net skills and tactical versatility.
In singles, Sun gradually climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 276 in December 2024, fueled by gritty baseline play and victories over higher-ranked opponents like 2024 Shanghai Masters qualifier Borna Ćorić. While his ATP Tour main-draw appearances remain limited, Sun’s 2024 season highlighted his growth: he reached the doubles semifinals at Thailand’s Nonthaburi Challenger and scored five ITF World Tennis Tour singles titles, including a clay-court victory in Anning.
His playing style—a right-handed, two-handed backhand game anchored by exceptional footwork—has earned praise from coaches like Juan Manuel Esparcia. By 2025, Sun’s career prize money surpassed $300,000, though his ATP ranking fluctuated between No. 276–279 due to early exits at Pau and Manama Challengers.
Despite mixed results, his relentless work ethic keeps him in contention for wildcards at Asian ATP events, where he remains a crowd favorite for his tenacious rallies.
Fajing Sun’s Net Worth Details
Fajing Sun’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2,310 | ATP Chengdu Open |
| 2017 | $15,000* | ITF Futures events |
| 2018 | $20,000* | Challenger qualifiers |
| 2019 | $36,000* | Asian circuit grind |
| 2020 | $1,000* | COVID-impacted season |
| 2021 | Data unavailable | Limited tournaments |
| 2022 | $32,000* | Futures/Challenger mix |
| 2023 | $85,099 | Breakthrough year |
| 2024 | $85,099 | Consistent results |
| 2025 | $8,415 (YTD) | Pau/Manama Challengers |
| Total | ~$300,000 | Career-to-date |
Career Stats
| Category | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Career Win-Loss | 274–210 (56.6%) | 233–161 (59.1%) |
| Hard Court Win Rate | 57% | 59% |
| Clay Court Win Rate | 51% | 62% |
| Titles | 0 | 6 (ITF Futures) |
FAQs
1. What is Fajing Sun’s highest ATP ranking?
Fajing Sun achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 276 in December 2024 and a doubles ranking of No. 181 in February 2024. His steady progress reflects his focus on both singles and doubles circuits, with stronger performances in Challenger-level tournaments.
2. When did Fajing Sun turn professional?
Sun turned professional in 2016 after receiving a wildcard entry for doubles at the Chengdu Open. Though he lost his ATP debut, this marked the start of his journey on the professional circuit, where he gradually transitioned from ITF Futures to ATP Challenger events.
3. What is Fajing Sun’s playing style?
A right-handed player with a two-handed backhand, Sun relies on agility, tactical net play, and relentless baseline defense. His strengths include exceptional footwork and anticipation, though his modest serve speed (around 110 mph) limits his dominance in service games.
4. Has Fajing Sun won any professional titles?
Sun has won six ITF Futures doubles titles between 2015 and 2024, primarily on hard and clay courts. While he hasn’t secured ATP Tour titles, his 2024 semifinal run at the Nonthaburi Challenger (doubles) highlights his growing consistency.
5. What is Fajing Sun’s net worth?
Fajing Sun’s estimated net worth is $500,000, primarily from career prize money and regional endorsements. His earnings reflect his status as a mid-tier Challenger player, with total career prize money exceeding $300,000 by early 2025.
6. Does Fajing Sun have any notable wins?
In 2024, Sun upset world No. 33 Borna Ćorić in the Shanghai Masters qualifiers, a career highlight. He also defeated Mitchell Krueger 6-4, 6-3 at the Hangzhou Challenger, showcasing his aggressive baseline play and tactical adaptability.
7. What are Fajing Sun’s career win-loss records?
Sun holds a 56.6% win rate in singles (274–210) and 59.1% in doubles (233–161). His clay-court doubles performance stands out with a 62% win rate, while hard courts account for 57% of his singles victories.
8. Has Fajing Sun struggled with injuries?
Sun has faced sporadic retirements due to cramps and fatigue, including a 2017 Suzhou Challenger exit. In 2024, he retired mid-match at the Futures event in July, though these incidents haven’t significantly disrupted his career trajectory.
9. Who coaches Fajing Sun?
Since 2022, Sun has trained under Juan Manuel Esparcia, a Spanish coach known for refining technical skills. Their partnership focuses on improving serve consistency and strategic net approaches, particularly in doubles.
10. What tournaments has Fajing Sun played in 2025?
In early 2025, Sun competed in the Pau and Manama Challengers, losing in the first round of both. He also participated in the Nonthaburi Challenger in Thailand, aiming to regain momentum through Asian circuit events.
