Zhizhen becomes the first male Chinese player to defeat a top 5 opponent Djokovic, Swiatek, Tiafoe advance; Tsitsipas, Ruud, Kvitova out

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic once again proved his unwavering dominance by advancing to the third round of the US Open 2023.

The Spanish tennis player Bernabe Zapata Miralles was defeated by the Serbian tennis player by a score of 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. Novak will now face his fellow countryman, Laslo Djere in the Round 3.

Novak expressed his joy playing in the US Open tournament after a long time and said, “I’m happy to be back in front of you guys. That’s what gives me strength & motivation at 36. I still have the hunger & desire to play my best on this court.”

Since the introduction of the ATP rankings in 1973, Zhang Zhizhen of China became the first male Chinese player to defeat a top-five opponent, making history in the process. With a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2, the world number 67 defeated Casper Ruud, who finished runner-up at the US Open the previous year, in an astounding shock.

His victory over Ruud was a key turning point for Chinese men’s tennis, as Zhang’s outstanding performance demonstrated his tenacity and fortitude.

Over time, the accomplishments of the 26-year-old Zhang have progressively increased. In the past, he made history by becoming the first man from China to win a main-draw match at the French Open in 86 years.

He also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open ATP Masters 1000 tournament. Zhang’s recent victory over Ruud is evidence of his commitment and resolve to improve Chinese men’s tennis on the international scene. Zhang will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the third round on Friday, bidding to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.

In the US Open second round, Swiss player Dominic Stricker defeated seventh-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas after a grueling five-set. Stricker defeated Tsitsipas in the nail-biting finale with a score of 7-5, 6-7(2), 6-7(5), 7-6(6), and 6-3, earning his first victory over a player ranked in the top 10.

Iga Swiatek of Poland, the reigning champion, encountered a difficult challenge in her second-round match against Daria Saville. Swiatek was tested to the limit despite winning 6-3, 6-4 since Saville showed persistence throughout the match.

Caroline Wozniacki claimed the biggest win of her comeback and a spot in the third round as the Dane's Grand Slam adventure continued with an 7-5, 7-6(5) upset of 11th seed Petra Kvitova.

Twice a finalist at Flushing Meadows, Wozniacki was back on the stage she has graced so many times against a familiar foe in front of an adoring crowd under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights.

American sixth seed Coco Gauff delivered a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win over Russia's Mirra Andreeva in a battle of teenage talents to reach the third round.

Up next for Gauff will be a clash with Belgian 32nd seed Elise Mertens, who was a 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-1 winner over American Danielle Collins in a match that lasted nearly three hours.

Frances Tiafoe, who reached the semi-finals last year, breezed past Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-1 6-4 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 10th seed meeting little resistance from the 58th ranked Austrian in their first career meeting.

Next up for Tiafoe is Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who beat Fabian Marozsan 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-1 earlier in the day.

Taylor Fritz dropped only five games in his demolition of Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas to ease into the third round and match his best result at the Grand Slam.

"We've all been hearing about who's going to be the next American (after) Andy Roddick 20 years ago our entire careers. We all want it so bad," said Fritz, who won 6-1 6-2 6-2.

Tommy Paul showed great heart to roar back from two sets down for the first time in his career to defeat Roman Safiullin 3-6 2-6 6-2 6-4 6-3.

Another US player heading for the exit was Wimbledon quarter-finalist Chris Eubanks, the 28th seed falling 7-6(6) 2-6 6-2 7-6(7) to wildcard Benjamin Bonzi of France. Agencies

DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS:

e Djokovic eases into Round 3.

e Wozniacki's dream comeback continues!

e Stricker stuns Tsitsipas in five-set thriller.

e Gauff downs fellow-teen Andreeva.

e Swiatek tames feisty Saville.

e Zhang makes history to send Ruud crashing out.

Also Read:All venues ready for Hangzhou Asian Games

Also watch: