Zhu Yuling: the former world No. 1 who returned to compete for Macau
Zhu Yuling was born in 1995 and is a right-handed shakehand player who became world No. 1 in November 2017. She won doubles gold at the 2015 Worlds, team golds and three World Cups. She has played for Macau since 2024 and won the WTT United States Smash in 2025.
In this article
Zhu Yuling was one of China's leading players in the last decade and reached the top of the world ranking. After a break for health reasons, she returned to the circuit in 2024 representing Macau. This page covers Zhu Yuling's career, titles and path.
Who is Zhu Yuling
Zhu Yuling was born on 10 January 1995 in Mianyang, Sichuan, China. She is right-handed and plays the shakehand grip. Her results are now recorded under Macau (MAC).
Zhu Yuling's titles
| Competition | Results |
|---|---|
| World Championships | Doubles gold in 2015; singles silver in 2017; team gold in 2014, 2016 and 2018 |
| World Junior Championships | Two-time singles champion |
| World Cup | Three titles (singles and team) |
| Asian Cup | Champion in 2017, 2018 and 2019 |
| Asian Games | Doubles and team gold in 2014 |
| WTT | United States Smash 2025 |
| Ranking | Career high: No. 1, November 2017 |
From the top of the ranking to a break
In 2017 Zhu reached the Worlds singles final and in November took the world No. 1 spot after beating Liu Shiwen 4-3. In 2020 she was diagnosed with a benign tumour and, after surgery in 2021, left the Chinese national team. She studied, completed a doctorate and began teaching at Tianjin University.
Back with Macau
In 2024 Zhu obtained Macau citizenship and returned to competition. In 2025 she won the women's singles at the WTT United States Smash. In 2026 she was a finalist at WTT Contender Zagreb, losing to Miwa Harimoto, and at WTT Star Contender Ljubljana, losing to Hina Hayata. In October 2026 she is world No. 11. See the table tennis world ranking.
Playing style
Zhu is a right-handed shakehand player, the most common combination on tour. For how players are classified, see playing styles.
Recent results on the tour
| Year | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 5 |
| Total | 9 | 5 |
| L | Europe Smash - Sweden 2026 2026-08-12 | Women's singles Round of 64 | Zhu Yuling MAC vs Annett Kaufmann GER 2-3 11-4, 6-11, 9-11, 14-12, 7-11 |
| L | WTT Champions Yokohama 2026 2026-08-08 | Women's singles Quarterfinals | Wang Yidi CHN vs Zhu Yuling MAC 4-1 5-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-8, 11-8 |
| W | WTT Champions Yokohama 2026 2026-08-07 | Women's singles Round of 16 | Margaryta Pesotska UKR vs Zhu Yuling MAC 1-3 9-11, 14-16, 11-8, 7-11 |
| W | WTT Champions Yokohama 2026 2026-08-04 | Women's singles Round of 32 | Joo Cheonhui KOR vs Zhu Yuling MAC 1-3 8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 6-11 |
| L | United States Smash 2026 2026-07-04 | Women's singles Round of 16 | Zhu Yuling MAC vs Joo Cheonhui KOR 0-3 4-11, 8-11, 13-15 |
| W | United States Smash 2026 2026-07-01 | Women's singles Round of 32 | Zhu Yuling MAC vs Prithika Pavade FRA 3-0 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 |
| W | United States Smash 2026 2026-06-29 | Women's singles Round of 64 | Zhu Yuling MAC vs Yashaswini Ghorpade IND 3-1 11-7, 5-11, 11-3, 11-9 |
| L | WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2026 2026-06-21 | Women's singles Final | Hayata Hina JPN vs Zhu Yuling MAC 4-3 8-11, 13-11, 9-11, 11-9, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9 |
Source: WTT official results. Updated October 31, 2026. worldtabletennis.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is Zhu Yuling?
She is a player born in 1995 in Mianyang, China, who now competes for Macau. She was world No. 1 in 2017.
Was Zhu Yuling world No. 1?
Yes, in November 2017. In October 2026 she is No. 11.
Why does Zhu Yuling play for Macau?
She obtained Macau citizenship in 2024 and returned to competition for the territory after a break in her career.
Is Zhu Yuling right- or left-handed?
She is right-handed and uses the shakehand grip.