China’s rising tennis star Wang Xiyu delivered an outstanding performance at the Ningbo Open, securing a commanding 6-2, 6-0 victory over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round.
Entering the WTA 500 event in east China’s Zhejiang Province as a wild card, Wang was determined to make a strong impression following early exits at both the China Open and the Wuhan Open. Facing Rakhimova for the first time in her professional career, Wang confronted an opponent ranked over 30 places higher in the world standings.
From the outset, Wang displayed remarkable composure and confidence on the court. The pivotal moment came in the fourth game, where she capitalized on her third break point opportunity to gain a crucial advantage. Although Rakhimova managed to briefly break back, Wang quickly regained control.
Demonstrating her prowess, Wang won nine consecutive games, overpowering her opponent with a combination of strong serves and precise groundstrokes. Her dominant performance captivated the home crowd, who cheered enthusiastically as she sealed the match in straight sets.
“This win means a lot to me, especially playing at home,” Wang said after the match. “I’ve been working hard to improve my game, and it’s rewarding to see the results on the court.”
Wang’s victory propels her into the second round of the Ningbo Open, where she will continue her pursuit of a title on home soil. Her impressive display not only boosts her confidence but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
