Zhang’s victory was the first time any male Chinese player has beaten a player ranked in the world’s top five. 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.

Casper Ruud

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

Wednesday’s turnaround was in stark contrast to Zhang’s campaign in last year’s tournament where he was bundled out in the first round after his career was effectively shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“First of all, with the COVID situation, it’s tough to get outside. Then everything is tough,” Zhang said. “I don’t think [at] that moment we believed we can make this result. That moment I would say we are more thinking like try to break top hundred, that’s our goal, the goal you have step by step.” Zhang said. 

Also Read: US Open 2023: Ons Jabeur overcomes breathing difficulties to sail into Round 2

Zhang: I can’t think too far

“One round by one round, one step by one step, and we’ll see,” he said. “I can’t think too far. Every round is tough.” 

Earlier, tempers flared after Ruud levelled the match at two sets apiece with a 6-0 fourth set. Zhang left the court for several minutes to take a toilet break and change clothes in a move that clearly disrupted Ruud’s momentum.

The Norwegian was broken immediately in the first game of the final set, and a frustrated Ruud complained angrily at the chair umpire, accusing him of failing to enforce time limits. “Why don’t you do anything?” Ruud yelled at the umpire. 

That was Ruud!

“You follow the rules clearly some times then other times you don’t give a s''t. Why don’t you do anything?” With Ruud unravelling, Zhang rammed home his advantage. He broke again in the fifth game to take a 4-1 lead and then held for a 5-1 lead. Ruud held serve to close the gap to 5-2, but Zhang would not be denied, producing a superb backhand volley on match point to seal victory. 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever