China's Zheng Qinwen in action against Erika Andreeva in the second round of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, US, August 28, 2024. /CFP
Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen, who recently secured Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, is edging closer to her dream of clinching her first Grand Slam title. In a thrilling second round tie of the US Open, the 21-year-old 7th seed came from behind to outclass her Russian opponent Erika Andreeva 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 under the scorching sun.
Andreeva took the lead at 2-0 and 4-2 in the opening set, with Zheng fighting back each time but unable to take the lead. Even in the tiebreak, Andreeva surged ahead to a 3-0 lead and secured the set 7-3. Despite also dropping the first set in her previous match against Amanda Anisimova, Zheng regrouped in the second set, gaining an advantage. Notably, Zheng's serve played a crucial role, delivering seven aces in the second set and winning all 12 points on her first serve.
Following a heat break that allowed Andreeva to rally, Zheng maintained her relentless play, eventually converting her seventh break point in an extended 12-minute opening game. From there, Zheng seized control, breaking again for a 5-2 lead and closing out the match with her 20th ace. Up next, Zheng faces another challenging opponent in the German star Jule Niemeier, a 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinalist who caused an upset by defeating the No. 32 seed Dayana Yastremska in the first round.
China's Wang Yafan during the second round of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, US, August 28, 2024. /CFP
Meanwhile, Zheng's compatriot Wang Yafan also charged into the third round by outplaying French competitor Diane Parry with a comfortable 6-0, 6-4 victory. This marks a milestone for Wang Yafan as she secures her first entry into the US Open round of 32 and her second appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam in her professional career.
On the men's side, Shang Juncheng advanced to the third round after overcoming Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6. Shang's consistency on his first serve, where he won an impressive 89 percent of points, far surpassed Carballes Baena's 57 percent. The Spaniard racked up eight double faults during the match, further boosting Shang's stellar performance on his return game, where he capitalized on 52 points from Carballes Baena's serve.