Kasper Ruud reached the US Open final last year, but he failed to repeat his performance in the 2023 draw: the Norwegian was eliminated in the second round by the Chinese Zhizhen Zhang.

Casper RuudPhoto: USA TODAY Network / ddp USA / Profimedia

Casper Ruud, defeated at the US Open by Zhizheng Zhang

Ranked 67th in the world, Zhang beat the No. 5 seed 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2 after three hours and 20 minutes of play.

It was the Chinese who dictated the pace of the match on the stand, hitting 60 winning shots (only 39 for the Norwegian) and making 18 aces.

Zhang will face Rinki Hijikata (110 ATP) in the next round, after the Australian beat Hungary’s Marton Fucovic (57 ATP) 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.

Casper Ruud defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in the US Open 2022 final.

US Open 2023 will be held from August 28 to September 10, and the most important matches from Flushing Meadows will be on HotNews.ro every day. Titled champions – Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Svyatek.

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