Zheng Qinwen of China showcased her resilience at the U.S. Open, overcoming Amanda Anisimova of the United States with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in an exhilarating first-round women's singles match.
The match started on a challenging note for Zheng, who found herself trailing 5-1 in the first set. Demonstrating her fighting spirit, she rallied to win three consecutive games, but Anisimova ultimately secured the first set 6-4.
Determined to turn the tide, Zheng improved her performance in the second set. She served four aces in the fourth game, leveling the score at 2-2. Zheng then successfully broke Anisimova's serve, clinching the second set and shifting the momentum firmly in her favor.
The third set saw Zheng dominate early with a 3-0 lead. Although Anisimova fought back, breaking Zheng's serve and saving a break point to reach 4-2, she couldn't stop Zheng from sealing the match.
Reflecting on her victory, Zheng commented, \"She was hitting the ball really good today, everything was going to the side and in, at the beginning. I couldn't do anything. The further the match goes, I started to find my rhythm on the hard court. In the second set, I really believed in my shots. I started to be more consistent and found more percentage in my serve. Little by little, I got into it. I want to say a really good job from Amanda.\"
In the upcoming second round, Zheng will face Russia's Erika Andreeva, who secured her spot by defeating Zheng's compatriot Yuan Yue 6-3, 7(9)-6(7).
China's Wang Yafan also advanced to the second round following the retirement of ninth seed Maria Sakkari of Greece. Wang won the first set 6-2 before Sakkari, battling a shoulder injury, retired from the match. Wang's next opponent will be France's Diane Parry, who triumphed over Wang Xiyu with scores of 7-6(2), 7-6(5).
Reference(s):
Zheng Qinwen begins U.S. Open journey with comeback win over Anisimova
cgtn.com
