In an intense showdown at the China Open in Beijing, No. 15 seed Paula Badosa of Spain triumphed over Zhang Shuai of China with a score of 6-1, 7-6(4) in the women's singles quarterfinals on Thursday. This victory propels Badosa to face the formidable No. 4 seed Coco Gauff of the U.S. on Saturday.
Badosa kicked off the match with impressive form, securing three breaks in the first set and transforming a commanding 4-0 lead into a comfortable 6-1 win. However, Zhang Shuai showcased her resilience by bouncing back in the second set. She converted a break in the first game with a powerful return winner and maintained her momentum to lead 2-0.
Despite missing a crucial break point in the third game, the 35-year-old Zhang held her ground by scoring four consecutive points, extending her lead to 3-1. The momentum continued to shift as Badosa launched aggressive counterattacks from the fifth game onward, capitalizing on Zhang's increased errors.
With the match hanging in the balance, Badosa was on the verge of victory, leading 5-4 with a match point. Demonstrating her tenacity, Zhang rallied by winning four straight points in the tenth game, forcing a tie at 5-5 and prolonging the battle.
Ultimately, Badosa's experience and strategic play secured her a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal clash against Coco Gauff. Fans can expect a high-energy match as these top seeds compete for a spot in the final.
Reference(s):
Home veteran Zhang Shuai eliminated in China Open quarterfinals
cgtn.com
