NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai teamed up with Croatian Mate Pavic to reach the second round of the mixed doubles at the U.S. Open on Friday.
Zhang/Pavic couldn't split with American pair Louisa Chirico/Bradley Klahn until 6-6 in the first set, but dominated the tiebreak 7-1.
The second set was much easier for Zhang and Pavic as they sealed the victory 6-3 to set up a clash with another American pair Madison Keys and Bjorn Fratangelo.
Earlier in the day, the 33-year-old Zhang reached the last 16 in women's singles for the first time after defeating Canadian Rebecca Marino in straight sets.
Coming to New York as the women's doubles defending champion, Zhang has also progressed past the first round. ■
