Chinese player Wang Xinyu defeated Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in a thrilling match to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open women’s singles in New York City on Sept. 1.

Born and raised in Shenzhen, the 22-year-old Wang, often referred to as “China’s Sharapova,” displayed her grit and skill on the court. After conceding the first set, Wang mounted an impressive comeback, ultimately prevailing with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. This victory not only earned her a spot in the third round but also propelled her world ranking to 46th, marking her debut entry into the top 50.

Reflecting on the intense match, Wang said, “It was a challenging encounter. Tormo has a unique playing style that sets her apart from my previous opponents. Earning points against such a skilled player was no easy task. Patience and relentless attack were key.”

She continued, “This win undoubtedly boosts my confidence. The match lasted about three hours, which helped me adapt to the venue and better prepare for my next game.”

Wang possesses versatile techniques and great adaptability, allowing her to adjust her game to the competition and identify her opponent’s vulnerabilities, Shenzhen Evening News reported.

Her fans commented that Wang is getting smarter in playing tennis, to which Wang responded, “I’ve learned a lot from my past matches, enhancing my comprehension of tennis. I can now adapt to diverse situations that arise during competitions.”

As Wang talked about her progress, she especially mentioned her recent victory in the women’s doubles category at the French Open, during which Wang and her partner Hsieh Su-wei from Chinese Taipei rallied from a setback in the final to clinch the coveted doubles title in Paris. “Doubles matches are intense and come with immense pressure. I’ve gained invaluable insights from Su-wei, which has led to the improvements in my singles game,” Wang said.

In the upcoming third round, Wang will face Slovak player Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.