Michael Zheng participated in the U.S. Open main draw for the first time after 22 years of waiting. The match, which was delayed due to rain, saw Zheng defeat Hungarian player Fabian Marozsan with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. The match took place on Court 10 in front of a supportive crowd that included his college teammates from Columbia University.
The match was interrupted by rain after seven games, but upon resumption, Zheng broke Marozsan's serve and took control. Despite Marozsan leading 3-0 in the second set, Zheng won five consecutive games to secure the victory. He completed the match in 1 hour and 51 minutes, recording 33 winners, 17 unforced errors, and nine service aces.
Zheng, who won the NCAA singles title in 2024, is the first player from Columbia to achieve this since 1906 and the first Ivy League player to win the title. He also made headlines earlier this year by reaching the third round at Wimbledon, marking a significant achievement for a reigning NCAA singles champion. Zheng expressed his excitement about competing at the U.S. Open, stating it feels like home with friends and family supporting him. He is set to face China’s Yunchaokete Bu in his next match.