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French Open: China's Zheng Qinwen falls short, Novak Djokovic cruises into last 32
CGTN
China's Zheng Qinwen plays a shot during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP
China's Zheng Qinwen plays a shot during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

China's Zheng Qinwen plays a shot during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

China's 20-year-old rising star Zheng Qinwen failed to reach the third round of the French Open after suffering an agonizing defeat at the hands of Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in a test of character and stamina that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. 

The 19th-seeded Zheng, who was voted the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year after a brilliant run that saw her advance to the round of 16 last year at Roland Garros, struggled to maintain her composure under intense pressure before losing 3-6, 6-4, 2-6. 

Despite her current world ranking of only 58th, Putintseva had made it to the quarterfinals of the French Open twice, in 2016 and 2018. In this thrilling encounter, the 28-year-old showcased her best performance and capitalized on Zheng's vulnerability when it came to consistency.

China's Zheng Qinwen reacts after the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP
China's Zheng Qinwen reacts after the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

China's Zheng Qinwen reacts after the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

Throughout the match, Zheng had a significant lead over her opponent in terms of winners, with a score of 34:15. However, she also committed as many as 49 unforced errors, which ultimately contributed to her downfall. 

Later in the day, Spain's world number one Carlos Alcaraz swatted aside Japan's Taro Daniel 6-1 3-6 6-1 6-2, while Serbia's Novak Djokovic, bidding for a men's record 23rd major singles title, edged out Marton Fucsovics 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 6-3.

Greek Tsitsipas, runner-up at Roland Garros in 2021, outclassed Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-2. Juan Pablo Varillas of Peru staged a comeback to complete a shock 1-6 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-1 win over Spanish star Roberto Bautista Agut.

 Novak Djokovic in action during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic in action during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

Novak Djokovic in action during the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 31, 2023. /CFP

Austrian Sebastian Ofner stormed into the third round for the first time after beating American 24th seed Sebastian Korda 6-3 7-6 (7-1) 6-4. Italy's Fabio Fognini also progressed into the next round after a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 win over Jason Kubler of Australia.

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