China’s rising tennis talents Yuan Yue and Zhang Zhizhen faced early exits at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Thursday, delivering mixed performances in their first-round matches.
Yuan Yue, ranked 68th globally, struggled against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. Despite a gritty effort, Yuan’s serve proved shaky, with only 50% of her service points won and two break points converted. Yastremska, ranked 46th, seized control to secure a 6-2, 6-4 victory. She’ll face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur next. 🎾
For Zhang Zhizhen, ranked 51st in the ATP, the match was a rollercoaster. After dominating Canada’s Gabriel Diallo 6-2 in the first set, rain delays disrupted momentum. Diallo fought back, clinching the win 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(7) in a nail-biting tiebreaker. Zhang’s 11 aces and fewer errors weren’t enough against Diallo’s clutch play under pressure. 😮💨
Key Stats:
🇺🇦 Yastremska: 70% first-serve points won
🇨🇳 Yuan: 2/6 break points converted
🏆 Diallo’s next opponent: France’s Arthur Fils (ranked 21st)
Fans are already hyped for Indian Wells’ next rounds! Who’s your pick to win? 🔥
