Chinese-Australian doubles pair Zhang Shuai and Ellen Perez delivered a masterclass in resilience at the WTA Queen's Club Championships in London on Wednesday, overcoming Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a nail-biting 7-6(3), 7-6(5) match. The third-seeded duo showcased tactical precision under pressure to secure their quarterfinal berth.
After an early setback in the first set, Perez's explosive overhead smash ignited their comeback, setting the stage for a tiebreak victory capped by Mihalikova's critical double fault. The second set mirrored the first's intensity, with both teams holding serve until another tiebreak decided the match in favor of Zhang and Perez.
The victory sets up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against Timea Babos of Hungary and Brazil's Luisa Stefani. Zhang, a veteran of China's tennis circuit, continues to strengthen Asia's representation in global sports, while Perez adds another highlight to Australia's strong Wimbledon warm-up performances.
