China's Wu, Zhang make breakthroughs by reaching US Open main draw

NEW YORK -- China's Wu Yibing and Zhang Zhizhen have qualified for the US Open men's singles main draw for the first time in their careers after winning respective qualifying matches on Friday.

Competing in his first senior Grand Slam, Wu beat Corentin Moutet of France 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the final round of the qualifiers.

Wu, who won the boys' singles and doubles championships at the US Open in 2017, said he had been determined to reach the main draw even before arriving in New York.

"No Grand Slam match is easy. I was not influenced too much by my opponent today. Although I missed some opportunities in the first set, I seized them in the second one," said the 22 year old.

"The biggest change for me over the last five years is that I enjoy playing tennis more rather than have too much pressure or worry a lot while playing," he added.

Meanwhile, Zhang got past Zizou Bergs of Belgium 6-2, 6-4.

Zhang said the rain didn't affect his rhythm, and he did well in serves and returns.

Chinese female player Yuan Yue also advanced to the tournament's main draw for the first time after defeating Australian Maddison Inglis 6-1, 6-0.

Zheng Qinwen, Wang Xinyu, Zhang Shuai and Wang Xiyu, all from China, will also play in the women's singles main draw.