The Chinese mainland's Zhang Shuai and her French partner Kristina Mladenovic secured a spot in the round of 16 at the Australian Open women's doubles event on Saturday, defeating the American Peyton Stearns and Brazilian Luisa Stefani in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
The dynamic duo showcased impeccable performance, converting all four of their break point opportunities while effectively shutting down seven break chances from Stearns and Stefani. Their synergy was evident as they seized critical match points, including their first set and match points.
The opening game was a testament to their resilience, enduring an 18-minute battle of serves that reached deuce ten times before Zhang and Mladenovic clinched it with consecutive winners. Following the intense start, the rest of the first set was swiftly concluded in just 34 minutes, highlighted by Mladenovic's backhand winner that sealed the set.
Stefani's serve was broken early in the second set, giving Zhang and Mladenovic a 3-1 lead. Another intense game with five deuces culminated in Zhang's volley winner, leading to a decisive 4-2 advantage. Mladenovic set up the final match point with her own volley, and Zhang sealed the victory with a forehand winner between her opponents.
Throughout the match, Zhang and Mladenovic dominated with 20 winners against their opponents' eight, demonstrating their prowess and teamwork on the court.
Reference(s):
Zhang & Mladenovic reach last 16 in women's doubles at Australian Open
cgtn.com
