Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
American hopes took a significant hit at the US Open on Saturday as Madison Keys and Amanda Anisimova were knocked out in the third round, while fifth seed Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive Grand Slam season by reaching the fourth round in New York for the first time.
Keys, the 22nd seed, appeared firmly in control against China’s Zheng Qinwen after racing through the opening set. But Zheng, a former world No. 4 and Olympic champion, produced one of the tournament’s biggest comebacks to prevail 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.
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The American was five points away from victory in the deciding set, leading 5-0 and holding match point, but Zheng refused to surrender. The qualifier reeled off seven straight games to complete an extraordinary turnaround. Keys had already survived five match points against Anna Bondar in the previous round, but could not produce another escape act.
Anisimova, last year’s US Open runner-up, suffered a more straightforward defeat. The 10th seed was beaten 6-2, 7-5 by Austria’s 24th seed Anastasia Potapova. Anisimova struggled for consistency and finished with 46 unforced errors, while Potapova showed impressive defensive resilience, saving 13 of 16 break points.
ANDREEVA BREAKS NEW GROUND IN NEW YORK
Andreeva, meanwhile, handled the pressure of being the highest remaining seed in her section with another composed display. The 19-year-old defeated Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6(5) to reach the US Open Round of 16 for the first time.
The reigning French Open champion controlled the opening set with her trademark combination of patience, court coverage and precise ball-striking. Bartunkova made the second set far more competitive, but Andreeva held her nerve in the tiebreak to finish the job in straight sets.
Her campaign began with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Janice Tjen, where she was particularly aggressive, winning 17 consecutive points at one stage. She followed that with a ruthless 6-0, 6-2 victory over Eva Lys before overcoming Bartunkova.
Andreeva’s reward is a Round-of-16 meeting with 24th seed Anastasia Potapova, who has already accounted for Anisimova. Potapova will provide a very different challenge, bringing greater power and confidence after one of the biggest wins of her season.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
