Wei Sijia of China competes in the women's singles first-round match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania at the China Open in Beijing, September 26, 2024. /CFP
Wei Sijia of China defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania 6-4, 7(8)-6 in the women's singles first-round match at the China Open in Beijing on Thursday, securing her first victory at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour level.
Wei's excellent serves were why she could hold the first set close before converting a decisive break point in the 10th game to win it. She also displayed the remarkable ability of scoring key plays during tiebreak to claim the second set.
"I didn't perform well last year, so after a whole year of training, I hope I can attain new heights," Wei said after the match. "My first win at China Open means a lot. Many fans came to cheer for me, and I am really excited. I tried to seize the victory with my utmost effort."
Wang Yafan of China competes in the women's singles first-round match against Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. at the China Open in Beijing, September 26, 2024. /CFP
Wei's opponent in the second round will be No. 13 seed, Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil. She was the only home player to win on Thursday. Chinese veteran Wang Yafan lost to Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. 6-3, 4-6, 2-6.
Other Chinese players who lost in the women's singles competition on Thursday:
Wang Xiyu was knocked out by Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland 6(5)-7, 6-0, 3-6; Ren Yufei was beaten by Nadia Podoroska of Argentina 4-6, 2-6; Ma Yexin was eliminated by Irina-Camelia Begu of Belgium 6-1, 4-6, 1-6; Shi Han lost to Moyuka Uchijima of Japan 3-6, 4-6; Wang Meiling was defeated by Jana Fett of Croatia 3-6, 4-6; Yao Xinxin was knocked out by Cristina Bucsa of Spain 3-6, 2-6.
The match between China's Gao Xinyu and Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo lasted four hours and 15 minutes, becoming the fourth-longest match in WTA Tour history. Gao lost 7-6(4), 5-7, 5-7.