Zhang Zhizhen's challenge against Shelton is scheduled, Wang Xiyu defeats Zhu Lin – is the Liuan title secure?

After successfully starting his clay season debut with an opening victory at the Houston 250 tournament, how far Zhang Zhizhen can go in this event is currently attracting widespread attention.

The reason everyone is so focused on Zhang Zhizhen's fate in Houston is mainly because, after quickly sweeping past British player Jones in the first round, he will challenge top seed Shelton in the second round, and winning this tough battle appears quite difficult.

Shelton's current ranking is enough to overwhelm Zhang Zhizhen, and this time he is playing on home soil in the United States, possessing an unparalleled home advantage, so it's normal for outsiders to have concerns about Zhang Zhizhen.

However, in their two previous encounters, although Zhang Zhizhen lost to Shelton in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open, he achieved a sweet revenge against the American in the third round of the 2024 Rome Masters. The third meeting happens again on clay, suddenly making it seem like the former Chinese number one has a certain chance of winning.

Furthermore, based on Zhang Zhizhen's performance in defeating Jones, his current form is quite good, while Shelton, as the tournament's top seed, enjoyed a first-round bye, so his actual condition is unknown, seemingly making people feel even more that Zhang Zhizhen might grant Shelton a second consecutive defeat on clay.

After winning against Jones in the first round, Zhang Zhizhen expressed satisfaction with his performance in an interview. When discussing the second-round challenge against top seed Shelton, the former Chinese number one said he would definitely prepare thoroughly beforehand, besides adjusting his return game, he also needs to be ready for a long battle, "will patiently play each point well."

Currently, the match time between Zhang Zhizhen and Shelton has been set; they will officially face off at 7 AM Beijing time tomorrow. Will Zhang Zhizhen achieve two consecutive wins against the American on clay, replacing his top seed status to advance further in the draw, or will Shelton revenge against the former Chinese number one on clay? We'll wait and see!

Another Chinese player currently attracting much attention is Wang Xiyu, as everyone wants to know if Wang, the left-handed girl, can replicate her dominant mode from Ma'anshan to Liuan!

Unlike other top Chinese players traveling overseas to compete in high-level events, Wang Xiyu continues to choose to pursue honors in lower-level tournaments held domestically!

Since returning at the ITF Challenger held in Ma'anshan, Wang Xiyu's current performance can be described as outstanding, winning titles in both consecutive tournaments she participated in, offering a special birthday gift to herself for her 25th birthday, with confidence and morale currently soaring.

Moving to the 100k tournament held in Liuan, Anhui, when it was seen that Wang Xiyu would face Zhu Lin in a golden flower derby in the first round, many worried whether Wang, the left-handed girl, having played so many matches, might face physical issues, thus ending her winning streak by Zhu Lin.

But after this focal duel concluded, everyone exclaimed that the worry was unnecessary. Wang Xiyu directly extended her good form from winning the title in Ma'anshan to Liuan, except for encountering some trouble and winning somewhat艰难 in the second-set tiebreak, the first set was swiftly swept 6-2 against Zhu Lin.

Before the match, some considered Zhu Lin to be one of the biggest obstacles for Wang Xiyu to win the title in Liuan; now, after啃下 this tough opponent, the呼声 for Wang, the left-handed girl to win the title not only skyrocketed overnight, but many also believe her chances of securing this冠军 have greatly increased.

The reason many are so optimistic about Wang Xiyu's title prospects now, besides Wang, the left-handed girl herself striving and displaying excellent competitive form, is that other golden flower sisters are also indirectly helping.

Top seed Tararud is, besides Zhu Lin, considered by外界 as another major obstacle capable of competing with Wang Xiyu for the title.

You Xiaodi challenged this tournament top seed in the first round, not widely favored before the match, unexpectedly Xiaodi girl seemed injected with vigor when facing Tararud, directly sweeping the top seed 6-2 and 6-4, indirectly替 Wang Xiyu解决了这个大刺头.

Regarding Wang Xiyu facing同胞 Tian Fangran in the second round, although based on paper strength, there is no need to worry for Wang, the left-handed girl, considering小田姑娘's explosiveness and current good form, Wang Xiyu still needs to格外小心提防 being upset. If she can顺利拿下 Tian Fangran and maintain her current good form without下滑,可以说 Wang Xiyu's path to the title in Liuan will be bright,只要她自己不掉链子, this 100k冠军其他人真的很难抢得走!(Source: Tennis Home Author: Moon River's星空)