China's Zhang Shuai fended off Russian Kamilla Rakhimova in three sets to reach the second round of the WTA Guangzhou Open on Tuesday. Zhang was joined by two other Chinese players, Yuan Yue and Wang Xiyu, who also advanced.
Zhang, who claimed the title here in both 2013 and 2017, is currently ranked World No. 237 and entered the main draw as a wildcard. The two-time Grand Slam women's doubles champion stayed in control throughout the match, overpowering Rakhimova 6-2, 6-1 in just 58 minutes. Next up for her is American Bernarda Pera.
Third seed Yuan Yue, the top-ranked Chinese player in the Guangzhou Open at World No. 44, also advanced on Tuesday. She fended off Greet Minnen 7-6, 6-1 to secure her spot in the second round, where she will face Thai Mananchaya Sawangkaew next.
Meanwhile, China's Wang Xiyu defeated Arantxa Rus in straight sets to continue her title-defense campaign, improving her overall record to 3-2 against the Dutchwoman. The former junior World No. 1 made headlines last year by shocking Magda Linette to win her maiden tour-level singles title. Currently ranked World No. 99, Wang will face Wei Sijia in an all-Chinese second-round match.
Reference(s):
WTA Guangzhou Open: China's Zhang, Yuan, Wang reach 2nd round
cgtn.com
