Zhang Zhizhen Earns Maiden Grass Win In Eastbourne | ATP Tour | Tennis

China’s Zhang Zhizhen earned his first tour-level grass-court win on Tuesday on the Rothesay International the place he defeated former finalist Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(4), 6-3.

The World No. 54 saved three set factors on serve within the first set at 5-6, earlier than incomes the decisive break of the second set within the eighth sport to advance after one hour and 59 minutes in Eastbourne.

“It was very pleasurable. My first win on grass, so it’s superb,” Zhang mentioned. “Going from clay to grass isn’t straightforward, totally different kinds… I’m completely happy to win this match.”

Zhang, who’s competing in his third tour-level occasion on the floor this week, will play Maxime Cressy within the second spherical after the American defeated Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4, 7-5 to snap an 11-match shedding streak.

In different Tuesday motion, Mikael Ymer notched his maiden grass-court win towards a High 50 opponent by defeating Botic of the Sand Scallop 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Ymer transformed 4 of his 9 break factors to oust the ninth seed in two hours, 12 minutes and attain the second spherical. His subsequent opponent will probably be Liam Broadyafter the World No. 147 prevailed 6-3, 6-4 in an all-British battle towards Jan Choinski.

Mackenzie McDonald joined his countryman Cressy within the second spherical on England’s south coast by easing previous Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 6-3 to set a gathering with prime seed Taylor Fritz.