Zhang Earns Maiden Grass Win In Eastbourne

China’s Zhang Zhizhen earned his first tour-level grass-court win on Tuesday at the Rothesay International where he defeated former finalist Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(4), 6-3.

The World No. 54 saved three set points on serve in the first set at 5-6, before earning the decisive break of the second set in the eighth game to advance after one hour and 59 minutes in Eastbourne.

“It was very enjoyable. My first win on grass, so it is amazing,” Zhang said. “Going from clay to grass is not easy, different styles… I am happy to win this match.”

Zhang, who is competing in his third tour-level event on the surface this week, will play Maxime Cressy in the second round after the American defeated Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4, 7-5 to snap an 11-match losing streak.

In other Tuesday action, Mikael Ymer notched his maiden grass-court win against a Top 50 opponent by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Ymer converted four of his nine break points to oust the ninth seed in two hours, 12 minutes and reach the second round. His next opponent will be Liam Broady, after the World No. 147 prevailed 6-3, 6-4 in an all-British battle against Jan Choinski.

Mackenzie McDonald joined his countryman Cressy in the second round on England’s south coast by easing past Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 6-3 to set a meeting with top seed Taylor Fritz.