Veteran tennis star Zhang Shuai secured a decisive victory against compatriot Wang Xinyu at the China Open on Friday, marking her first win in four encounters with the younger player. The 36-year-old wildcard, currently ranked outside the Top 100, showcased renewed vigor in front of a home crowd in Beijing.
Zhang dominated early, clinching the first set 6-4 with precise serves and strategic baseline play. Wang, 24, struggled to counter Zhang's aggressive backhands and consistent net coverage. The second set saw Zhang surge to a 4-0 lead before Wang briefly rallied, breaking serve in the sixth game. However, Zhang swiftly regained momentum, closing the match 6-2 after a tense final volley.
This victory continues Zhang's resurgence at the tournament where she broke a 24-match losing streak last year with a quarterfinal run. She now faces USA's Amanda Anisimova in the third round, reigniting hopes for a deep tournament run. The match highlights China's growing prominence in professional tennis, drawing attention from global sports analysts and fans alike.
