Zheng Qinwen of China competes during the women's singles second round against Alize Cornet of France at the Italian Open in Rome, May 11, 2023. /CFP
Chinese tennis players Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xiyu defeated their respective opponents in straight sets to reach the women's singles third round of the WTA Italian Open in Rome on Thursday.
With the 6-3, 7-6(2) win over 33-year-old world No. 64 Alize Cornet of France, young sensation Zheng's real-time world ranking climbed to No. 18. However, she was not satisfied with her performance.
"I didn't win many break points today. I led 3-1 in both sets, but failed to continue to (put) pressure (on) my opponent, and she caught up again. I can only rate myself as three or four points," she said.
As the clay season is coming to an end soon, culminating in the French Open that kicks off later this month, Zheng hoped she could do better in the upcoming matches.
"I was injured in Madrid and did not finish my games there, I hope I can enjoy the feeling on court and do my best," the 20-year-old added.
She will next face Anna Bondar of Hungary.
Wang Xiyu of China warms up before her women's singles second round match at the Italian Open in Rome, May 11, 2023. /CFP
Meanwhile, Wang edged past Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania as the 22-year-old saved two set points en route to a 6-4, 7-5 win in one hour and 48 minutes.
"I will learn from everything and this will continue throughout my career. The most important thing for me is to gain experience," said the youngster.
"The more I play against top players, the better I need to be on the court. I have improved in many areas," she added.
Wang will next face qualifier Taylor Townsend of the United States, who stunned third seed compatriot Jessica Pegula 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Sofia Kenin of the United States celebrates her win over Aryna Sabalenka in the women's singles second round match at the Italian Open in Rome, May 11, 2023. /CFP
In another surprise, American Sofia Kenin stunned world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in a high-octane second-round match.
Kenin, once ranked world No. 4 but now down to 134th due to illness and injuries, heaped pressure on the reigning Melbourne Park champion in the second set for a 4-2 lead and held firm for a famous victory.
Wu Yibing of China competes during his match against Richard Gasquet of France at the Italian Open in Rome, May 10, 2023. /CFP
In the men's side, China's Wu Yibing, the country's top-ranked male player at No. 57 in the world, staged a comeback win and upset French veteran Richard Gasquet 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 earlier, marking Wu's first ATP victory on clay.
Wu, 23, next faces 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the second round on Friday.
(With input from agencies)