Three talented champions faced tough challenges at the AUX Ningbo Open on Tuesday, with none advancing past the first round. Marketa Vondrousova made her return following a knee injury but lost to Karolina Muchova. Victoria Mboko suffered a setback against Dayana Yastremska, while Emma Raducanu fell to Zhu Lin.
Zhu Overcomes Injured Raducanu in Ningbo
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, was in visible discomfort during her match against Zhu Lin. Raducanu required two medical timeouts, prompting concerns over her physical condition. Zhu capitalized on Raducanu’s struggles, winning the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Match Highlights
- First Set: Raducanu claimed a tightly contested first set, winning after saving three break points.
- Second Set: Zhu dominated with aggressive play, breaking Raducanu’s serve three times.
- Final Set: Raducanu’s movement deteriorated, allowing Zhu to seize control and win decisively.
Player Profiles
Zhu Lin, currently ranked No. 219, is competing as a wild card following her recovery from an elbow injury. She expressed her determination to excel this year after missing the Chinese swing last year. This marks Zhu’s second Top 30 win since her return to the tour in January.
Dayana Yastremska’s match against Victoria Mboko also showcased remarkable resilience. Yastremska came back from a 5-2 deficit in the second set, eventually defeating Mboko 6-3, 7-6(3). Mboko’s recent form has flagged after a title win in Montreal two months ago, leading to a challenging period for the young player.
Conclusion
The Ningbo Open continues with Zhu Lin’s inspiring performance being one of the standout moments. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as players battle for a title.
