Chinese tennis fans have created a unique nickname for international tennis stars based on Chinese homophonic syllables, as stated during the ongoing tennis tournament in Shanghai in October 2025. These nicknames, which are often obtained from and transliterate players’ names into Chinese, range from animals to food and reflect the creative way of Chinese fans involved with their favorite athletes.World number one Carlos Aljaz has been called “duck” by Chinese fans who see similarities between his facial features, especially his mouth, and ducks.Novak djokovicGrand Slam champion 24 times, carrying the name “chicken” or “de ji” in Chinese. The name originated when he was at his peak, as a “hot chicken” in Chinese depicting a new sensation, while “De Ji” imitated the “DJ” sound in his surname.Aryna Sabalenka top has acquired various nicknames in China. She is known as “Chinese daughter” because of her strong performance and popularity in the country. Fans also call her “Tiger Girl,” referring to her 1998 birth year (tiger year) and her tignation. In addition, he was called “Queen of Fried” because of the love he declared for the dish.The second world of SwiaTek is known as “Silk Socks” because “Wa” in Mandarin resembles “Swia” in surname.
Amanda Anisimova, the Chinese Open champion, has been named “Medical Sister” because the surname is the same as the Chinese word for amoxicillin antibiotics. Madison Keys is only known as “the main sister.”Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro were given a nickname related to wealth. Pegula is called “Dafu” which means “Big Rich,” while Navarro is known as “second rich,” both references to their millionaire family background.Daniil Medvedev has obtained the nickname “Prime Minister” for sharing his surname with former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Alexander Zverev, World Number Three, is named after a princess called “Ziwei” from a popular TV drama, as it sounds like a surname in Chinese.Roger federerDespite his retirement, maintaining his popularity in China with the nickname “cattle.” The name comes from receiving two cows as a gift at the Swiss Championship – Juliette in 2003 and Desiree in 2013. Chinese fans also associate their soft and gentle personality with a cow.The Nicknaming tradition shows how Chinese fans have created the names of foreign players creatively into their language, creating meaningful and often funny relationships with athletes.
