In a moment of personal and national sporting significance, China's Wang Xiyu has reached the third round of the French Open for the first time in her professional career. The milestone was achieved this Wednesday in Paris, though the victory came amidst a bittersweet turn for Chinese tennis as compatriot Wang Xinyu exited the tournament following a grueling three-set battle.
Wang Xiyu now carries the mantle as the final remaining Chinese player in the women's singles draw. Her progression to the last 32 was secured during a second-round encounter on Court Suzanne Lenglen against the American 26th seed, Hailey Baptiste. While the match was cut short, Wang Xiyu had already established a commanding presence on the court.
The World No. 148 started the match with high intensity, breaking serve in the opening game. Despite a brief response from Baptiste, Wang Xiyu regained control by the fifth game, pushing her lead to 4-2. As she served for the set at 5-4, the momentum was firmly in her favor. However, the contest ended abruptly when Baptiste slipped during a shot and was forced to retire due to injury.
The match lasted just 51 minutes, marking a significant achievement for Wang Xiyu at Roland Garros. This marks the third time she has reached the third round of a Grand Slam, adding to her previous success at the 2022 US Open.
The road ahead looks challenging yet exciting. Wang Xiyu is set to face Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva for a place in the round of 16. Starodubtseva enters the match with immense momentum, having provided one of the tournament's most shocking results by defeating World No. 2 Elena Rybakina in a three-set thriller earlier today.
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Wang Xiyu reaches French Open third round as Wang Xinyu exits in Paris
cgtn.com
