Yuan Yue clocked out in 90 minutes, securing back-to-back wins in the new season and advancing to the quarterfinals, while Huang Zelin’s remarkable comeback thrilled the fans.

During the same round at the WTA125 Canberra event, Chinese talent Yuan Yue comfortably beat Russian Prozorova 6-4, 6-3 in 90 minutes, gaining 27 points and $6,800, pushing her ranking to 129. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s top player Huang Zelin staged a comeback from 1-6 down to defeat the 6th seed Diallo 7-5, 7-5, reaching his first ATP tour quarterfinal.

Analyzing Yuan Yue’s match style, she excels in baseline rallies and backhand crosscourt shots, whereas Prozorova is known for her serve and forehand attacks. Since they had never met before, the key to victory likely depended on Yuan controlling errors in baseline exchanges and capitalizing on Prozorova’s weaker second serve.

Pre-match odds showed balanced data between both players, suggesting a closely contested match. Tennis analysts noted that Yuan Yue’s improved ability to handle crucial points in recent months might be the deciding factor.

At the start of the first set, both players appeared slightly tense. Each held serve in the first four games, leveling the score at 2-2. The fifth game became pivotal as Yuan seized her second break point with a precise backhand winner, taking a 3-2 lead. Both then held serve to 4-3. In the eighth game, despite trailing 0-30, Yuan delivered two strong first serves and won four consecutive points to hold serve, extending her lead to 5-3. Though Prozorova held serve in the ninth, Yuan closed the set with a flawless love service game to win 6-4.

In the second set, Yuan maintained her momentum, breaking serve in the opening game. Using varied serve placements and consistent baseline strokes, she quickly built a 2-0 lead. Prozorova fought back in the third game, earning two break points, but Yuan raised her serve quality with consecutive aces to save the game, pushing the score to 3-0.

Prozorova finally held her first service game of the set in the fourth, making it 1-3. However, Yuan gave her no respite, comfortably holding serve in the fifth and breaking again in the sixth to lead 5-1. Although Prozorova broke back in the seventh and held serve to narrow it to 3-5, Yuan steadied herself and sealed the match with a beautiful forehand winner in her second match point game, winning the set 6-3.

Throughout the match, Yuan’s tactics were clear. Against Prozorova’s powerful first serve, she adopted a solid defensive approach, returning deep to the opponent’s backhand. When facing second serves, Yuan aggressively attacked, especially targeting Prozorova’s weaker middle second serve, scoring several winners. Statistics show Yuan’s first serve success rate reached 78%, with a 70% scoring rate on first serves — significant improvements compared to her previous matches.

Post-match stats highlighted Yuan’s stable serving and clutch point execution. She served 4 aces with no double faults, a stark contrast to her 47% second serve scoring rate at the Australian Open. Yuan converted 4 out of 5 break points, an 80% success rate, while Prozorova had 7 break opportunities but only converted one.

In the post-match interview, Yuan said, “I’m very happy to win in straight sets. I prepared well for my serve, and today my first serve percentage was high, which gave me confidence during the match.”

Regarding upcoming matches, she admitted, “I know I will face Potapova-Kudermetova in the quarterfinals; she is a very strong player. I will study her match videos with my coaching team and develop strategies. The most important thing now is to rest well and prepare for the next match.”

When asked about rising to 129th in the rankings, Yuan replied, “Rankings are just numbers; I focus more on my performance in each match. I hope to maintain this form and progress steadily.”

Fans commented on Yuan’s victory: “Yuan’s serving was outstanding today, especially her second serve, much more stable than at the Australian Open. If she keeps this serving level, breaking into the top 100 is within reach.”

Another fan wrote, “Watching Yuan’s performance on crucial points really shows her mental growth. She used to falter when leading, but today, even when the second set score narrowed from 5-1 to 5-3, she calmly closed out her service game. That’s progress.” Others expressed interest in her next opponent: “Potapova-Kudermetova is strong, but Yuan has a chance. If she plays like today, she can definitely win.”

Meanwhile, at the ATP tour event in Hong Kong, 21-year-old local player Huang Zelin faced 6th seed Diallo. Pre-match odds favored Diallo due to his seeding, higher world ranking, and greater experience.

Technically, Diallo possesses a powerful serve and forehand, while Huang is known for his agile movement and tenacious defensive counterattacks. The two had previously partnered in doubles, giving them some insight into each other’s playing styles.

The match began as expected, with Diallo dominating the first set 6-1 using his strong serve and baseline power. Huang found almost no chance to break Diallo’s serve.

However, the second set saw a dramatic shift. Huang adjusted his return position to better place shots at Diallo’s feet, limiting Diallo’s hitting space. This tactical change paid off, and after ten games the score was tied 5-5. In the eleventh game, despite trailing 0-30, Huang won four straight points to secure a crucial break, then held serve to take the set 7-5.

In the deciding set, the battle intensified. Both players held serve through eight games to 4-4. Huang barely held serve at 5-4 after multiple deuces. In the tenth game, under pressure, Diallo double-faulted, giving Huang a break point and match point. With Diallo’s forehand going long, Huang won the set 7-5, completing a stunning comeback.

Huang’s victory sparked enthusiastic reactions on Hong Kong social media. User “Tennis Kid” wrote, “Witnessed this historic moment live at Victoria Park! Huang Zelin was amazing! From 1-6 down in the first set to a complete turnaround, showing the never-give-up spirit of Hong Kong athletes!”

Another fan commented, “Huang played very smart today. Instead of relying on power, he used placement and rhythm changes to disrupt his opponent. This tactical execution is impressive for a player his age.”

Two wins, one story. Yuan Yue prepares for her next challenge with solid technique and growing confidence, while Huang Zelin’s name is becoming increasingly recognized on the international tennis stage.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)