US Open 2023: Zhang Zhizhen delivers career-best performance to outclass Casper Ruud in US Open second round

Casper Ruud fell to Chinese star Zhang Zhizhen after a five-set thriller in the second round of the US Open.

Zhang secured his best career win 6-4 5-7 6-2 0-6 6-2 in just over three hours at the Grandstand Court in Flushing Meadows, New York.

The 26-year-old – ranked world No.67 – became the first Chinese man to beat a player in the top five of the ATP ranking to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the second time, where he lost to Ruud at Roland-Garros earlier this year.

Zhang let seven match points slip in the opening round last year in New York when he faced Tim van Rijthoven but has had a far better start to this year’s tournament.

“Last year at the US Open, I can say it was a bad memory,” Zhang said after the match.

“But this year is a little bit different.”

Following a close back-and-forth encounter, Zhang lost the fourth set in a 23-minute bagel before breaking the Norwegian in the decider to take full control of the tie.

He was powerful on his serve, producing 18 aces, and sprayed strong forehand winners throughout the match which Ruud struggled to handle.

He has already upset a home favourite by defeating J.J. Wolf in the opener and will take on Australian Rinky Hijikata next for a spot in the fourth round.