Chinese Zhang Zhizhen advanced to the fourth round of the Italian Open after a convincing win over American Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4, on Sunday.
Zhang Zhizhen in action during the Italian Open round of 32 in Rome, Italy, May 12, 2024. /CFP
Zhang, ranked 56th in the ATP standings, dispatched the 12th seed in only 70 minutes to set up his next match against qualifier Thiago Monteiro from Brazil, who progressed after a closely contested match against Serbia's 31st seed, Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (6).
Zhang saved both break points against Shelton and committed just one double fault compared to the Ameircan's six to level their head-to-head record to 1-1, as Shelton edged Zhang out in full sets in the first round of last year's Australian Open.
Arriving at Rome without a coach, Zhang somehow found form on his third clay court campaign of the season, after suffering first-round exits previously in Barcelona and Madrid.
(With input from Xinhua)