Entertainment
Michael Zheng wins US Open debut as American players advance in New York
The former Columbia University champion entered the top 100 live rankings alongside victories from Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Jessica Pegula.
The short version
- American wildcard Michael Zheng won his rain-delayed US Open debut against Fabian Marozsan in straight sets.
- The victory pushed Zheng to No. 96 in the live rankings, placing him inside the top 100 for the first time in his career.
- Multiple high-seeded American players, including Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Jessica Pegula, also advanced to the next round.
- Zheng returns to the court Thursday afternoon to play Chinese lucky loser Yunchaokete Bu.
Key facts
- Michael Zheng defeated Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 51 minutes during his US Open main-draw debut.[The Guardian]
- The win elevated Zheng, who entered the tournament ranked 107th, to No. 96 in the live rankings.[The Guardian]
- Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton advanced to the round of 32 by beating Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5.[The Guardian]
- Frances Tiafoe secured a third-round berth for the seventh consecutive year by defeating Rei Sakamoto in straight sets.[The Guardian]
- Third-seeded Jessica Pegula defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 in 56 minutes to move into the third round.[The Guardian]
- Former champion Sloane Stephens was eliminated following a 6-1, 7-5 defeat against Marta Kostyuk.[The Guardian]