Beijing, Chinese mainland – In a thrilling first-round clash at the China Open, veteran Zhang Shuai turned back the clock to overcome Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday, sending the Diamond Court crowd into raptures.
At 36, Zhang is competing in her 15th China Open and has reached the quarterfinals here three times. She again demonstrated why experience matters, rebounding from a first-set loss to seize momentum in the second set (6-1) and close out the match in a tight decider.
Zakharova, 23, enjoyed a breakthrough season across Grand Slams and reached her maiden Tour-level semifinal in Cleveland this summer, making her upset-minded opening win look all but certain. Yet, Zhang's veteran savvy proved decisive: she overpowered her opponent with varied groundstrokes and strategic net play, finishing with 68% first-serve points won.
Stat Check: Zhang improved to 1-0 this week in matches that went to three sets, while Zakharova saw her 11-match winning streak on hard courts snapped. Defence became Zhang's forte: she scrambled to convert a remarkable 5 of 7 break points in the third set.
With compatriots Zhang Ruien and Shi Han exiting earlier, Zhang remains the lone home hopeful into round two, where she'll face 31st seed Wang Xinyu in an all-Chinese showdown.
"After three decades of tennis, I trust my technique and mental game," Zhang said, reflecting on her comeback. "Losing a set isn't the end; it helps me grow by spotting what to improve. Age is just a number – on court, I'll always be the 20-year-old version of myself."
This victory not only extends Zhang's remarkable China Open journey but also sparks fresh hope for the home crowd in Beijing.
Reference(s):
Zhang Shuai stuns Diamond Court crowd with comeback win at China Open
cgtn.com
