Chinese tennis player Yuan Yue's US Open campaign ended in a hard-fought first-round battle against Russia's 17th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova on Monday. The world No. 100 started strong with a 6-2 opening set victory but ultimately fell 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting over two hours at Flushing Meadows.
Yuan dominated early with precise baseline shots, but Samsonova's powerful serves and aggressive net play turned the tide. The Russian's crucial backhand winner at 4-4 in the second set sparked her comeback, while a decisive forehand break in the third set's ninth game sealed Yuan's fate.
In related news, Chinese rising star Shang Juncheng retired mid-match due to an unspecified injury, adding to China's challenging start at the final Grand Slam of the year. Samsonova advances to face Australia's Priscilla Hon, who ranks 126th globally.
The matches highlight Asia's growing presence in professional tennis, with Chinese players increasingly competing against established international stars. Sports analysts will watch how Yuan and Shang regroup ahead of China's autumn tournament circuit.
