This man is a living legend and therefore in the right place with DONIC. China's superstar Zhang Jike is the new brand ambassador for the traditional German company, which has already had some of the greatest table tennis players in history as partners for decades, including the Swedish icons Jan-Ove Waldner, Jörgen Persson and Michael Appelgren.
Zhang Jike, the 2011 and 2013 Men’s Singles World Champion, 2012 Olympic Champion and 2011 and 2014 World Cup Winner, is now also one of only four players in table tennis history who have achieved the Grand Slam of Olympic, World Cup and Men’s Singles World Championship titles – and this in the record time of just 445 days. However, Zhang Jike has not only been famous for his outstanding skills.
His enormous athleticism, his smooth moves but above all his coolness have made him one of the most vibrant personalities in international table tennis sports. The way he lived out his emotions in the box, even after great wins, remains unforgettable. In 2011, after winning his first World Championship title in men's singles, he tore his shirt in the box like Superman changing his clothes. In 2014, after his victory at the World Cup, he kicked over a surrounding – the wild boy, who was temporarily suspended by China's head coach Liu Guoliang for his teenaged escapades, always remained good for surprises later on. In the meantime he has also had tremendous success in China as a pop singer.
Although the nearly 36-year-old ended his active sporting career a few years ago, his enormous experience, fantastic ball control and huge fan base, which still adores him particularly in China, make Zhang Jike a great asset for the global brand DONIC. “He will be able to support us significantly in blade development,” says product manager Steffen Fetzner, ”and the fans can already look forward to two blades that DONIC will soon be producing with him together.”
In his home country, Zhang Jike has recently opened a table tennis centre, but fans all over the world can be looking forward to the cool star who has been so many things, but never boring.
ZHANG JIKE
| Date of birth | 1988 February 16 |
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| Place of birth | Qingdao, China |
| Country | China |
Biggest Success
| 2014 | World Cup Single |
|---|---|
| 2013 | World Championships, 1. Place Single |
| 2012 | Olympic games, Gold Medal, Single (London) |
| 2011 | World Cup, 1. Place Single World Championships, 1. Place Single |
Playing style and strengths
Zhang Jike is more than a champion – he is an icon of modern table tennis. Olympic Champion, two-time World Singles Champion, two-time World Cup winner and one of the select few players in history to complete the Grand Slam. Even more remarkably, he achieved this milestone in just 445 days – faster than any player before him.
His game represented explosive power, outstanding athleticism and uncompromising attack. Zhang Jike had the ability to raise the intensity of a rally in an instant, combining speed, spin and tremendous acceleration to dominate his opponents from both wings.
His absolute trademark was his legendary backhand. Fast, explosive and technically exceptional, it became one of the defining weapons of his generation. In particular, his aggressive Chiquita backhand flick helped shape the modern return game, allowing him to attack short serves immediately and put his opponents under pressure from the very first ball. The ITTF itself highlighted both his Chiquita and reverse serve as elements of a playing style that influenced players around the world.
But Zhang Jike’s greatness went far beyond technique. Mental strength, confidence and an extraordinary will to win made him a player for the biggest stages. When the pressure was at its highest, Zhang Jike had the ability to raise his level and deliver his best table tennis – a quality that defined many of the greatest moments of his career.
His athleticism, emotions, unmistakable coolness and incredible presence made him much more than a successful player. He became a global superstar who inspired a generation and brought an electrifying energy to the sport. DONIC today describes him as a “living legend” – a status earned through both his extraordinary achievements and the unique personality he brought to the table.
The combination of explosive power, legendary backhand technique, athleticism and an uncompromising champion mentality made Zhang Jike one of the most spectacular and influential players of his era.
Olympic Champion. Grand Slam winner. Global icon.
Zhang Jike didn’t just play to win – he played to dominate.
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