Tiafoe Advances, Zarazua Stuns Keys at US Open

NEW YORK: In a compelling start to his US Open campaign, American tennis star Frances Tiafoe secured a second-round berth by defeating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. The match concluded with scores of 6-3, 7-6(6), 6-3, unfolding at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday.

Tiafoe’s performance was met with enthusiastic support from the home crowd as he comfortably claimed the initial set. Despite encountering resistance in the second set, he demonstrated resilience to ultimately seize victory.

Tiafoe, a two-time semi-finalist, now stands alongside fourth seed Taylor Fritz and sixth seed Ben Shelton in the second round. This trio aims to break a 22-year drought for American champions at the US Open.

Next up, Tiafoe is slated to compete against fellow American Martin Damm, who earned his spot through the US Open qualifiers.

Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, Mexico’s Renata Zarazua caused a major upset by eliminating sixth seed Madison Keys from the competition.

Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, struggled with unforced errors, tallying 89 in a 6-7(10), 7-6(3), 7-5 defeat. This loss marks her as the highest-seeded player to exit the tournament thus far.

Zarazua, the sole Mexican player participating in the tournament, confessed to pre-match jitters, stating she was overwhelmed with nerves. However, she expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the crowd, which helped ease her anxiety.

“Prior to the match, I was incredibly nervous, almost to the point of tears. However, the amazing crowd created such a relaxed atmosphere for me,” she mentioned.

“Hearing the support from some Mexican fans was incredibly uplifting.”

Zarazua is now preparing for her next challenge against French player Diane Parry in the subsequent round. Parry previously triumphed over two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova with a decisive 6-1, 6-0 victory in what marked Kvitova’s final professional appearance.