China's Zhang Shuai loses in US Open second round

NEW YORK - Britain's Emma Raducanu beat Zhang Shuai of China 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the US Open women's singles on Thursday.

Former Chinese women's singles number one ranked a good 100 points higher than Raducanu, though the young Briton played better and won the game.

Analysis showed Raducanu's two most effective tactics were her forehand and backhand down the line, changing the direction of the rally to keep her Chinese opponent off balance. When Raducanu was the player to change direction first, she won 17 of 22 points, underlying the effectiveness of her offensive game plan.

"I've been lucky," Raducanu said. "I am so grateful for people cheering for me. It's really getting me through tough moments."

Despite losing to Raducanu, Zhang nevertheless won her first round match in the women's doubles draw. Paired with Australia's Samantha Stosur, Zhang and her teammate beat Jasmine Paolini of Italy and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann 6-4 and 6-0.