Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen, fresh off her Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, continued her impressive form by advancing to the third round of the US Open. In a thrilling second-round match, the 21-year-old 7th seed overcame a challenging start to defeat Russian opponent Erika Andreeva 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 under the scorching sun.
Zheng wasn’t the only Chinese player making waves at the tournament. Compatriots Wang and Shang also powered into the third round, marking a remarkable achievement for Chinese tennis on the global stage.
Andreeva took early leads at 2-0 and 4-2 in the opening set, with Zheng fighting back each time but unable to seize the lead. In the tiebreak, Andreeva surged ahead to a 3-0 advantage, ultimately securing the set 7-3. Despite also dropping the first set in her previous match against Amanda Anisimova, Zheng regrouped in the second set, dominating her opponent.
Zheng’s serve was a crucial factor in her comeback, delivering seven aces in the second set and winning all 12 points on her first serve. After a heat break that allowed Andreeva to rally, Zheng maintained her relentless play, eventually converting her seventh break point in an extended 12-minute opening game of the final set.
From there, Zheng seized control, breaking again for a 5-2 lead and closing out the match with her 20th ace. Up next, Zheng faces another challenging opponent in German star Jule Niemeier, a 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinalist who caused an upset by defeating the No. 32 seed Dayana Yastremska in the first round.
With Wang and Shang also advancing, China’s presence in the later stages of the US Open is stronger than ever, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in the world of tennis.
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China's Zheng, Wang, Shang power into third round of US Open
cgtn.com
