China serves up more surprises
Wang Xiyu, Wu Yibing and Zhang Shuai continue great runs by reaching third round in New York
This year's US Open has turned into a happy hunting ground for Chinese aces, with three more victories on Wednesday highlighting the benefits of more professional talent cultivation.
Both former junior winners in New York, Wang Xiyu and Wu Yibing handled the big expectations on their young shoulders to advance to the third round－extending their record runs at a major tournament. Veteran Zhang Shuai's triumph completed another great day for Chinese tennis in New York.
Wang, the winner of the US Open girls' title in 2018, has finally broken out on the pro stage after flying under the radar for years. The 21-year-old upset world No 3 Maria Sakkari, 3-6, 7-5, 7-5, in a barnstorming battle to secure her first career win against a top-10 player and her first third-round appearance at a major.
Wang, a native of Jiangsu province developed at Beijing's 1123 Junior Tennis Academy, clearly relished her return to Louis Armstrong Stadium, the scene of her junior triumph four years ago.
"This feels like a lucky place for me. It's a blast from the past and the memories are so sweet. However, I have to focus on the present and just play tennis to the best of my ability and don't think too much," said Wang, who will next face American Alison Riske-Amritraj, the 29th seed, in the last 32.
Since April, Wang's 29-13 win-loss record has seen her climb from No 150 to her present career-high ranking of 75.During that period, she's reached four finals－three at International Tennis Federation events and one at a WTA 125 tourney in Valencia, Spain－before a semifinal run in Washington and a quarterfinal in Granby, Canada over the past month.
A left-handed power hitter, Wang's forehand turned out to be her biggest weapon on Wednesday, accounting for 26 of her 35 winners. Her pattern of attack usually involved a heavy crosscourt shot, to open up the angle, followed by a searing down-the-line winner.
With the momentum shifting back and forth in the first two sets, Wang's greater control of her power and aggression ultimately proved the difference as two consecutive winners earned her match point in the 12th game of the decider. The Greek third seed, last year's semifinalist, then sent a backhand wide to end the contest after 2 hours and 44 minutes.
