Michael Zheng, a 22-year-old American wildcard and former two-time NCAA singles champion from Columbia University, achieved a significant milestone by winning his first Grand Slam match at the US Open. Zheng defeated Fabian Marozsan with a commanding 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory in the opening round, marking his entry into the tournament’s main draw. This victory, achieved in just under two hours, was particularly special for Zheng, who has a personal connection to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, having trained there regularly as a child after traveling from his home in New Jersey. His win also propelled him into the world’s top 100 for the first time in live rankings.
Zheng has demonstrated a rapid ascent in the tennis world over the past year. After qualifying for the Australian Open and securing his first tour-level win, he advanced to the third round at Wimbledon. Zheng’s next challenge at the US Open is against Chinese player Yunchaokete Bu. Meanwhile, fellow American Ben Shelton also advanced in the tournament, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a four-set match lasting nearly three hours, with scores of 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5. This victory extends Shelton’s streak of reaching at least the third round in New York for four consecutive years.
Frances Tiafoe continued his impressive performance at the US Open by defeating Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-5, securing his spot in the third round for the seventh consecutive year. In the women’s draw, Jessica Pegula, the third seed, showcased her dominance by swiftly defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 in just 56 minutes. Pegula is now set to face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the next round.
Other American players also enjoyed success at Flushing Meadows. Taylor Townsend advanced with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 win over Australia’s Taylah Preston. Emma Navarro, Iva Jovic, and Alex Michelsen also progressed in their respective matches. However, there were some setbacks for American players, including former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who lost to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, and wildcard Sebastian Gorzny, who was defeated by 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev.
Overall, the American contingent at the US Open enjoyed a strong day, with Zheng breaking into the top 100 and Shelton and Tiafoe continuing to advance. As the tournament progresses, the performances of these players will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.