NANJING, Jiangsu province - He's got one of the world's best coaches.

He's got a scary level of confidence.

And now, Zhang Ze has two titles to add to his rsum.

So what's next for China's top male tennis player?

"I think I can (improve my ranking to within the top 100 in the world) in two years. It's an accessible goal based on my current state plus the foreign coach's efforts," Zhang said after defeating Gong Maoxin, 6-3, 6-3, at the final of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz China Tennis Grand Prix in his hometown.

Zhang, ranked No 308, also delivered the doubles championship partnerning with Gong, and pocketed a total of $21,644 at the annual top-class domestic tournament.

The 21-year-old attributed his red-hot form to French coach Guillaume Peyre - 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis' former mentor - who was invited by the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA) to foster its young stars.

"Today's game isn't his best. He strained his abdominal muscles a little and didn't dare to hit the ball hard," said Peyre.

"He should be more aggressive in the future. And I am pretty optimistic I can help him surpass the top 200 in two years."

Boasting a western-caliber physique and big serves, Zhang spearheaded the rise of Chinese men's tennis when he competed on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit as a teenager, but the lack of good international experience held him back.

With more major tournaments like the Davis Cup, China Open and Shanghai Masters held in China, the budding generation has been confronted with high-pressure competition and exposed to a more professional atmosphere.

Zhang stressed the bigger stages have helped psychologically.

"Coming through this year, we have played more high-level tournaments and tested ourselves facing big stars. It boosted my confidence and I can feel my game become closer with them," Zhang said.

After stealing a set in a close battle against former Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt in the Davis Cup in July, Zhang troubled a renowned opponent again, claiming seven games in a straight-set loss to world No 8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round of the China Open early this month.

Zhang proved what he can do in those matches and already seems like a top 150 player, said Perye.

China Daily