In an electrifying display of skill and determination, home veteran Zhang Shuai of China triumphed over Belgium's Greet Minnen with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-3 in the women's singles third-round match at the China Open in Beijing on Sunday. This victory propels Zhang into the round of 16 at the tournament, marking the fourth time she has reached this stage in her career.
The match got off to a steady start, with both players holding their first two serves. However, Zhang made her decisive move by securing two straight breaks, pushing her lead to 5-2 in the first set. Demonstrating her prowess, she began the eighth game with two aces, effectively shutting down Minnen's attempts to stay in the game and clinching the first set.
The second set saw both competitors ramping up their aggression. While Zhang initially broke Minnen's serve, the Belgian player quickly responded by breaking back, tying the set at 1-1. Zhang regained her footing by converting another break point, leading 3-1. Nevertheless, Minnen showcased her resilience by countering in the subsequent two games, keeping the set closely contested.
Ultimately, Zhang's consistency and tactical play proved too much for Minnen, allowing her to secure a straight-sets victory. As Zhang Shuai progresses further in the China Open, fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming matches, hoping to see more thrilling performances from the seasoned athlete.
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Home veteran Zhang Shuai continues to progress at China Open
cgtn.com
