The French Open saw unexpected exits for China's top talents on Monday as Wang Xinyu and Buyunchaokete were both knocked out in the first round. In one of the biggest matches of the day, 23-year-old Wang took on 22-year-old 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Raducanu edged the first set 7-5, but Wang stormed back to a 5-1 lead in the second, eventually taking it 6-4 despite a late rally. The final set belonged to Raducanu, who sealed a 6-3 victory to advance. Raducanu will meet fifth seed Iga Swiatek of Poland in the second round.
On the men's side, Buyunchaokete fell in straight sets, ending hopes for a deep run. His exit leaves Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen as the only Chinese player remaining in the women's singles draw.
Wang's background in doubles has been strong: she won the women's doubles title at Roland Garros in 2023 and earned a mixed doubles silver at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite her early singles exit in 2024, her on-court grit suggests she'll bounce back at upcoming events.
As the clay-court drama unfolds in Paris, all eyes will be on Zheng Qinwen as she fights to keep China's singles challenge alive.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
