The 123rd edition of the French Open began on Sunday and five Chinese players kicked off their campaigns, with Zhang Zhizhen, Wang Yafan, Wang Xinyu and Wang Xiyu reaching the second round.
Zhang, the only Chinese player in this year's men's main draw, defeated Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the first round. It is the second consecutive year he has reached the second round at Roland-Garros. The 27-year-old made his grand slam breakthrough when he advanced to the third round of the tournament last year.
The man from Shanghai has also achieved breakthroughs in men's doubles this year, as he became the first Chinese male player to reach the semifinals at a grand slam, at the Australian Open, before claiming his first tour-level title alongside Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic in Marseille.
China's Zhang Zhizhen serves to Australia's Aleksandar Vukic (not pictured) during their men's singles match at French Open tennis tournament in Paris, France, May 26, 2024. /CFP
"It was crucial to stay patient and wait for my opportunities," Zhang commented after the match. The Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist rose to a career-high world No. 42 last week, and will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego next.
On the women's side, Wang Yafan finally clinched her first main draw victory in her sixth appearance in Paris. The 30-year-old fended off Russian teenager Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with 30th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Wang Xiyu also claimed her maiden main draw victory at the French Open when she edged past compatriot Bai Zhuoxuan 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 in a Chinese derby. Last year's women's doubles champion Wang Xinyu overcame German qualifier Jule Niemeier 0-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.
(With input from Xinhua)