Wang Yafan, Zheng Qinwen of China into U.S. Open Round of 16

Wang Yafan of China defeated the No. 20 seed, former World No. 1, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 at the U.S. Open, advancing to the Round of 16 at the tournament for the first time in her career.

The last time Wang and Azarenka faced each other was at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in early August. Wang lost that match 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-3. Having been broken in the fourth game, Wang trailed early 1-3 in the first set, but she then coveted two break points and came back to take the first set.

Wang began the second set with a break, but then allowed four straight games by Azarenka. The Chinese earned herself four break points in the ninth game when she trailed 3-5, but failed to convert any of them and lost the set.

Wang again took charge quickly as the decisive third set started, building a 4-0 lead. Though Azarenka scored a break in the fifth game, that turned out to be her last resistance. Wang continued her sharp offense and claimed both the set and the match.

"We get to the third set and I know I need to play very, very focused," Wang said after the victory. She will play the No. 26 seed, Paula Badosa of Spain, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Like Wang, the No. 7 seed Zheng earned some revenge on Friday by beating Jule Niemeier of Germany 6-2, 6-1. Two years ago, Zheng lost to her 4-6, 6(5)-7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Having held her second serve game, Zheng claimed five consecutive games to win the first set. She then converted another three break points in the second set, securing the victory in one hour and 21 minutes.

Zheng will have a rematch of the 2024 Paris Games women's singles final against Donna Vekic of Croatia at the Round of 16 stage.