Wuhan Open: China's Yuan Yue, Wang Xinyu both advance

WUHAN - The Wuhan Open, the final WTA 1000 tournament of the year kicked off on Monday, with China's Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu both advancing to the next round.

Yuan was the first Chinese player to take the central court, facing Clara Burel of France, the world No. 55, who advanced into the Wuhan Open main draw through two rounds of qualifiers.

The 23-year-old French took an early lead, beating Yuan 6-1 in just 29 minutes in the first set. However, Yuan adjusted her strategy during the break, leveling the match with a 6-4 win in the second set. In the deciding set, Yuan won 12 of her 15 first serves and saved five break points to clinch the match 6-2.

"I didn't play at my level in the first set and made many unforced errors," Yuan said at the press conference. "During the break, I told myself to focus on getting the ball in first, even if it means longer rallies or being outplayed at times. Gradually, I regained my rhythm."

"I'm not the type of player who can dominate within the first three shots or hit winners consistently. So I think I should focus more on creating opportunities within rallies. I know I'm capable of engaging in extended rallies and moving around on the court, so it's crucial to stick to my own game plan," she added.

Wang, the silver medalist in mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics, enjoyed a comfortable victory over Caroline Dolehide of the United States, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-0.

"I'm really happy to be back in China, starting from Beijing and now here in Wuhan," Wang noted. "It's such a great feeling to compete in two major tournaments back-to-back. I'm also really glad that I'm in good physical condition right now, which allows me to prepare for each match without any worries. I'm able to give my 100 percent and show the fans some exciting tennis."

In the other matches, ninth-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil defeated Madison Keys of the United States 7-6(7), 6-2. Canadian rising star Leylah Fernandez came from behind to defeat 12th-seeded Diana Shnaider of Russia 6(7)-7, 6-3, 6-3.