Chinese tennis veteran Zhu Lin delivered a masterclass in resilience at the WTA Ningbo Open on Wednesday, overcoming 18-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The world No. 219 rallied from a set down to secure her third career victory against a Top-10 opponent, electrifying the home crowd in Zhejiang province.
Andreeva, fresh off qualifying for the WTA Finals in doubles, initially dominated with precise baseline play. But Zhu – returning to form after a six-month elbow injury hiatus – shifted momentum in the second set with aggressive net approaches and tactical drop shots.
"This win means everything," said Zhu, who last reached a Tour-level quarterfinal at the 2023 Thailand Open. "Playing at home gives me extra energy to push through tough moments."
The victory marks a significant milestone for China's tennis development, coming three weeks after Zhu's straight-set loss to Andreeva at the China Open. She now faces Diana Shnaider in Thursday's quarterfinal – a rematch of their 2024 Australian Open doubles clash.
