Zhou has matured a great deal to reach this point. As he described it, his former high school self used a much different style of play—one that was scrappier, more aggressive, and more reactive. These days, he has changed his ways, running a lot less and dictateing play a lot more. Given the physical demands of a college tennis schedule, this strategic change comes at an important time.

Hu has had a special perspective on this improvement. From watching Zhou the California youngster to Zhou the burgeoning college star, the co-captain has been able to spectate and marvel at the whole trajectory of development.

“Only [in] his junior and senior year in high school did he really come into himself as a player,” Hu said. “Every time I went back for winter break or summer break, you could see him making vast strides in his game. Overall, he’s a much more offensive player, and his bigger serve and bigger groundstrokes have really complimented that.”

As the team graduates three seniors this year—all crucial players for the Crimson— Zhou will return in the fall with big shoes to fill as an older and more experienced member of the program.

But if his past improvement is any indication for future play, then Zhou appears to be up for the challenges ahead of him.

“I’m really looking forward to having a productive summer, returning to the courts in the fall, being one of the older guys on the team and having a little more experience under my belt,” Zhou said.

—Crimson staff writer Jamie Chen can be reached at jamiechen@college.harvard.edu.