Zheng survives Andreeva scare to advance at US Open

Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, aged 21, overcame an initial challenge to defeat Russia's Erika Andreeva, 20, with a score of 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-2 in oppressive heat on Wednesday, advancing to the third round of the US Open.

Andreeva, the older sister of rising star Mirra, had previously eliminated another Chinese competitor, Yuan Yue, and was aiming to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows for the first time in her career.

Although Andreeva established an early advantage and secured the first set through a tiebreak, Zheng fought back, showcasing a strong first serve as the seventh seed concluded the match with 36 winners and 20 aces.

"I began the match rather slowly. Gradually, I started to feel more comfortable with my reactions and my serve," Zheng remarked, having been the runner-up at the Australian Open earlier this year.

"To be honest, I recognize that my entry into the match was not ideal, but I am pleased that I continued to fight until the end. I did not give up, even though she had numerous opportunities in the second set."

Zheng struggled initially, dropping the first two games of the opening set. Although she managed to break back, she was consistently trailing as Andreeva took the lead.

At 6-5 down, Zheng served effectively to reach a tiebreak, but a third double fault in the set allowed Andreeva to gain the advantage, and the 20-year-old Russian capitalized on this, winning the set when Zheng's backhand went wide.

Zheng regained her form in the second set, winning five consecutive games from a 1-1 tie, propelled by an impressive first serve, which forced a deciding set as Andreeva made several mistakes.

Andreeva's difficulties persisted into the third set, where one of her powerful returns went so far wide that it was caught by a spectator behind the chair umpire, while Zheng began to accumulate winners and aces.

By the time the score reached 5-2, Andreeva conceded, and Zheng concluded the match with two aces, advancing to the third round where she will face Germany's Jule Niemeier.

"When I lost the first set and after I see the crowd supporting me, I say to myself, 'Let's keep fighting, even if it's a difficult day'," Zheng added.

"I want to say thanks to the crowd who supported me today, that was an amazing atmosphere."