Australian Open, day 5: Wang Xiyu blows upset chance as Zhang Shuai, Wang Yafan also exit
Jannik Sinner recovers to win after Emma Navarro fights back from brink of defeat by Wang, while Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu set up clash
China’s Wang Xiyu came close to a huge upset at the Australian Open before eventually losing in three sets to eighth-seeded Emma Navarro of the United States.
Wang fought back from a set down then found herself a break to the good in the decider, with game point on her own serve at 4-3 up. But the American clawed back to deuce before taking the game and the next two, to eliminate Wang 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Wang Yafan proceeded to lose to ninth-seeded Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-0, while veteran Zhang Shuai bowed out 6-2, 6-1 against 24th seed Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.
“There were a few chances, but I might not have handled them well,” Wang told Chinese media. “I felt that I was a little anxious and played in a hurry, especially since [Kasatkina] is a good defender.”