Veteran Zhang Shuai leaned on her experience and a scorching serve to claw back from a set down and book her spot in the Guangzhou Open quarterfinals for the fifth time. After dropping the opener 3–6 to Veronika Erjavec, Zhang created four break opportunities in the second set and converted three, then won over 80% of her first-serve points in the decider to close out a 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 comeback.
The win extends Zhang's consistent form on this year's Chinese mainland swing, marking at least two singles victories at every stop. Next up is a clash with American up-and-comer Katie Volynets, setting up a classic contrast of experience and youthful power.
In another thriller, Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto prevailed over Wang Xiyu of the Chinese mainland in just over two hours, 6–3, 2–6, 6–3. Cocciaretto grabbed the first set before Wang fought back in the second. Leading 3–1 in the decider, Cocciaretto called a medical timeout to treat a leg issue, then rattled off five straight games to seal victory and earn a quarterfinal showdown with Ann Li.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
