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.
Reference(s):
China's Zheng, Wang, Shang power into third round of US Open
cgtn.com
