Beijing hosted a classic veteran-versus-rising-star clash on Friday, as 36-year-old wildcard Zhang Shuai defeated fellow countrywoman Wang Xinyu for the first time in four attempts, advancing to the third round of the China Open.
Ranked outside the Top 100, Zhang seized the first set 6-4 after holding serve on a long rally and capitalizing on Wang’s unforced errors.
In the second set, Zhang burst to a 4-0 lead behind her booming backhand and sharp angles. Wang mounted a brief comeback, breaking serve for 2-5, but Zhang broke right back and closed out the set 6-2 when Wang’s final shot clipped the net.
Last year in Beijing, Zhang ended a 24-match losing streak with a surprise quarterfinal run, and this victory as a wildcard continues her momentum. She’ll next face the United States’ Amanda Anisimova for a spot in the round of 16.
With this upset, Zhang Shuai proves that experience and tenacity still shake up the women’s tour—and fans can expect more drama as the China Open heats up.
Reference(s):
Zhang Shuai defeats Wang Xinyu, advances to third round at China Open
cgtn.com
