In front of a roaring home crowd at the WTA Ningbo Open, China's Zhu Lin staged a stunning comeback, overcoming top-seeded Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the round of eight.
The 31-year-old underdog, ranked 219th, absorbed the pressure of an opening-set slip and flipped the script against the 18-year-old Russian breakout star fresh from securing a doubles spot at the season-ending WTA Finals.
After leveling with a 6-3 second set, Zhu seized control in the decider, marking her third career victory over a Top-10 opponent and snapping a year-long quarterfinal drought since last season's Thailand Open.
Returning from an elbow injury that sidelined her for six months, Zhu's performance showcased her resilience and experience—qualities that paid dividends against youthful power and pace.
Up next is Diana Shnaider, Andreeva's doubles partner, in a high-stakes quarterfinal that promises another edge-of-the-seat battle.
This upset at Ningbo not only reshapes the draw but also shines a spotlight on the evolving dynamics of women's tennis, inspiring fans and players across borders with its blend of grit and flair.
Reference(s):
China's Zhu Lin upsets top seed Andreeva in last 16 at WTA Ningbo Open
cgtn.com
