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French Open: China's Wang Xinyu makes breakthrough, Medvedev suffers shock exit
CGTN
China's Wang Xinyu during the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP
China's Wang Xinyu during the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP

China's Wang Xinyu during the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP

Wang Xinyu has never been particularly adept at playing on clay. The Chinese tennis prospect had suffered four straight defeats on this very surface this season, but not this time. 

Roared on by passionate Chinese fans in the stands, Wang turned in a brilliant display of fierce shots and intelligent movements to stun 31st-seeded Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6(5) and booked her spot in the second round of the French Open for the first time in her career. 

"I'm thrilled to have won my first match in the main draw of the French Open," beamed the 21-year-old after the triumph. "Having the support and cheering of Chinese fans at the court made it even more special. 

"Even when I found myself trailing in the second set, I remained composed and focused on executing my game plan, confident in my ability to exploit my opponent's flaws."

China's Wang Xinyu reacts after winning the singles first round of the French Open, May 30, 2023. /CFP
China's Wang Xinyu reacts after winning the singles first round of the French Open, May 30, 2023. /CFP

China's Wang Xinyu reacts after winning the singles first round of the French Open, May 30, 2023. /CFP

Next up for Wang will be a clash with Swedish Rebecca Peterson, who swatted aside Frenchwoman Fiona Ferro 6-2, 6-0. "I'm aware that the upcoming match will be a tough one," observed Wang. "So, I will prepare myself to the best of my ability." 

Later in the day, world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev was stunned by 172nd-ranked Thiago Seyboth Wild in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros. The Brazilian qualifier was making his debut in Paris but showed little sign of nerves, upsetting the second seed 7-6(5), 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. 

"I have watched Daniil play for my entire junior career, up until today. Playing on this court against this kind of player and beating him is a dream come true," said Seyboth Wild. "Walking on court I just wanted to get to the net as much as possible and use my forehand against his and it worked pretty well."

Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild celebrates with joy after winning the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP
Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild celebrates with joy after winning the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP

Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild celebrates with joy after winning the singles first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 30, 2023. /CFP

Medvedev, who suffered his fifth loss in the opening round at Roland Garros in seven appearances, chose to praise his conqueror after another setback.  

"If he continues to play that way, in my opinion, by the end of the year, he's top 30," said Medvedev. "I honestly hope he's going to play like this later on, because if not, I'm going be disappointed. I'm going to be like, why today? Why not in two days? 

"His life is going to be better if he plays like this every match. He's going to get more money, more sponsors, win big titles. But he has to play like this. Not once on the Philippe Chatrier, but a lot of times in different tournaments all over the world throughout the year."

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