Zhang Shuai continues her remarkable journey at the China Open in Beijing, delivering a stunning upset against the No. 6 seed Emma Navarro. In a thrilling second-round match on Friday, the seasoned veteran triumphed with scores of 6-4, 6-2.
Breaking her 24-match singles losing streak in the first round with a decisive win over McCartney Kessler, the 35-year-old Zhang Shuai has been on an impressive run. Her aggressive play style shone brightly against this year’s U.S. Open semifinalist Navarro, where Zhang led in key statistics including first serve percentage, first serve points won, and break points converted.
Despite currently holding a ranking of No. 595 on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) table, Zhang's victory over a world top-10 player marks a historic achievement as she defeated the highest-ranked opponent in her China Open history. This win also marks her ninth career victory over a top-10 opponent, underscoring her resilience and skill on the court.
Expressing her gratitude to the crowd, Zhang remarked, \"I want to thank every supporter who came here today for the courage you gave me. I was able to stand on this court, where I have created so many miracles, because of you. Today I beat another strong opponent. Thank you for sharing this amazing moment with me.\"
She added, \"I know that many didn't think I can perform like this again because I have aged and lost my strength. I just wanted to show everyone that my efforts every day is not wasted. I believe in chasing your dream. You got to work on it and go after it. It has nothing to do with your age.\"
Looking ahead, Zhang Shuai is set to face Belgium’s Greet Minnen in the next round. Meanwhile, fellow Chinese player Wang Xinyu faced a tough match against Russia's Veronika Kudermetova, losing 6-3, 4-6, 5-7. Additionally, fourth-seeded Coco Gauff from the U.S. secured a victory over France's Clara Burel with scores of 7-5, 6-3 in her first match since the U.S. Open.
This tournament continues to highlight the competitive spirit and relentless determination of athletes from around the world, making the China Open a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts globally.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
