Zhang stuns Casper Ruud, eliminating him from US Open

Zhang Zhizhen brought yet another surprise at this year’s US Open tournament as he became the first Chinese man to beat a top-five opponent since the introduction of the ATP rankings in 1973, beating last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud 6-4 5-7 6-2 0-6 6-2 in the second round on Wednesday.

Zhang, 67th in the world, beat American J.J Wolf in five sets in his opener and showed similar resolve against world number five Ruud en route to securing the biggest victory of his career again in five sets.

🚨 HISTORY MADE 🚨

Zhizhen Zhang is the first Chinese man to earn a win over a Top 5 opponent. He defeats Ruud 6-4 5-7 6-2 0-6 6-2.@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/E28n6P9Ow8

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 31, 2023

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Zhang was demolished by Ruud in the fourth set, leaving him without a singe game, but said he never lost hope. The Chinese is now on the verge of cracking the top 50 and said interest in men’s tennis was increasing back home.

Casper Ruud and Zhizhen Zhang are going the distance on Grandstand! pic.twitter.com/YGD0sNUIoF

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2023