Ann Li beats Shuai Zhang 7-5 6-3 in Cincinnati first round

Ann Li came through a tight opening set and then pulled clear, beating Shuai Zhang 7-5, 6-3 in the Round of 64 in Cincinnati. The American's serve was erratic but explosive: only 52.4% of her first deliveries landed, yet she won 84.8% of those points and struck six aces against Zhang's none. Six double faults kept the door ajar, though Li still took half of her second-serve points. Zhang was the steadier server by percentage at 62.1%, but she won just 66.7% behind the first ball and 45.5% behind the second. The result put Li into the second round at a WTA 1000.