US Open 2023China's Zhang Zhizhen makes history with 2022 finalist Casper Ruud upset in five-set thriller

China’s Zhang Zhizhen sculpted a significant chapter in his blossoming profession, beating the world number 5 Casper Ruud in a grueling five-set Round 2 match at the United States Open 2023.

The awesome encounter swung both methods prior to the 26-year-old Zhang edged out Ruud, the 2022 finalist, with a scoreline of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2 in a match that covered over 3 hours.

An impressive 59 winners were provided by Zhang, whose triumph marks the very first time a Chinese guy has actually beaten a leading 5 gamer considering that the beginning of the ATP Rankings in 1973. Currently ranked 67th worldwide, Zhang now has a vital rendezvous with Australian Rinky Hijikata in the competition’s 3rd round.

This triumph presses Zhang into the 3rd round of a significant champion for the 2nd time in his profession. His previous such accomplishment was at this year’s Roland Garros, where he was up to none aside from his current foe, Ruud.

For Zhang, this victory over Ruud is a sweet vindication. The Chinese gamer had actually dealt with a heartbreaking defeat at the previous year’& rsquo; s United States Open at Flushing Meadows, when he misused 7 match points in the preliminary versus Dutch challenger, Tim van Rijthoven, resulting in a five-set loss.

Reviewing his efficiency in 2015, Zhang stated, “Last year at the United States Open, I can state it was a bad memory. This year is a little bit various.”

Beyond simply an individual triumph, the match likewise brings considerable ramifications for Chinese tennis. If Zhang protects a berth in the 4th round, he will stand a possibility to end up being the very first male Chinese gamer to burglarize the Top 50 of the ATP live rankings.