Zheng Qinwen beats You Xiaodi to begin qualifying campaign at US Open

Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen defeated compatriot You Xiaodi in straight sets in the first round of US Open women's singles qualifying in New York on Monday.

Zheng, the 14th seed in the qualifying tournament, rolled to a 6-3, 6-2 victory in one hour and 28 minutes, moving two wins away from a spot in the main draw.

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics gold medalist got off to a strong start by breaking You in the opening game.

She then broke again to wrap up the first set 6-3.

Zheng converted two more break points in the second set and never dropped her own serve during the match.

The 23-year-old, who saved all four break points she faced, also finished with seven aces.

The victory ended a three-match women's singles losing streak for Zheng, whose ranking has fallen outside the world's top 100 following a lengthy spell away from competition due to injuries.

This contest marked Zheng's first appearance in Grand Slam qualifying since the 2022 Australian Open and first-ever at Flushing Meadows.

Her opponent in the second round will be France's Clara Burel, who advanced with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over China's Ma Yexin.