Beijing’s Diamond Court turned into a rom-com drama on Wednesday 🎾💕 as Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai rallied from a set down to beat Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the China Open.
Zakharova, who has been on fire this season with deep runs at Wimbledon, the US Open, and a maiden Tour-level semifinal in Cleveland, looked unstoppable early, winning the first set 6-3 with fearless, aggressive strokes.
But Zhang, playing her 15th China Open and a three-time quarterfinalist here, flipped the script in the second set with a 6-1 domination. The crowd erupted as she powered every ball to force a thrilling decider.
Last year, Zhang memorably snapped a 24-match losing streak in Beijing before bowing out in the quarterfinals. This time, she once again rode the home advantage, sealing the win 6-4 to remain the only host-nation winner on day one.
Up next is an all-Chinese showdown against 31st seed Wang Xinyu, promising even more local excitement and high-stakes drama.
After the match, Zhang said she believed that one set does not define the contest and that even defeat can be a lesson. Reflecting on her many appearances in the capital, she added that she still feels like her 20-year-old self, proving that age is just a number on the court.
With her blend of experience, resilience, and unshakable mindset, Zhang Shuai shows us that in tennis—and in life—the ultimate comeback is always possible 🚀🔥.
Reference(s):
Zhang Shuai stuns Diamond Court crowd with comeback win at China Open
cgtn.com
