Wang Yafan of China in action against Caroline Garcia of France on Day 2 of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, U.S., August 29, 2023. /CFP
The Chinese contingent at the U.S. Open continued their impressive run in the first round on Tuesday, with three players, Wang Yafan, Wu Yibing and Zheng Qinwen, securing victories over their respective opponents and storming into the second round.
Adding to the triumph, the four Chinese players who competed the previous day – Zhang Zhizhen, Zhu Lin, Wang Xinyu and Wang Xi Yu – also sailed through the opening round, making it a perfect seven out of seven for the Chinese singles players, all of whom have now progressed to the next stage of the showpiece event.
Wu Yibing of China returns a shot against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia on Day 2 of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, U.S., August 29, 2023. /CFP
In an extraordinary display of skill and determination, qualifier Wang, who last played a major main draw at Wimbledon 2021, orchestrated the upset of the day during her triumphant return to the prestigious Grand Slam stage.
The 29-year-old, exhibiting incredible poise, overcame the challenge posed by the under-performing No. 7 seed and last year's semifinalist, Caroline Garcia. In a breathtaking match that lasted only 70 minutes, Wang emerged victorious with a resounding 6-4, 6-1 victory.
Zheng Qinwen of China poses for a selfie after defeating Nadia Podoroska of Argentina on Day 2 of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, U.S., August 29, 2023. /CFP
Following in Wang's footsteps, her compatriot Wu took to the court and endured a grueling five-set battle. Despite trailing on two occasions, he managed to level the match twice before eventually edging out Serb Dusan Lajovic 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. This victory not only marks Wu's second consecutive advancement to the second round of the U.S. Open but also secures his first Grand Slam win of the year.
Later in the day, Zheng was also on fire, displaying an impressive touch on both his serves and attacks against Nadia Podoroska. She effortlessly outclassed her Argentine opponent 6-1, 6-0 to reach the second round for the second consecutive year.