In a stunning turn of events, Chinese tennis veteran Zhang Shuai has managed to break her 24-match losing streak with three consecutive wins at the China Open, leaving everyone in awe of her newfound form on the court.
Comparisons have been drawn between Zhang and the legendary Rafael Nadal, with some even going as far as saying you can’t spell Nadal without Zhang. While that may not be entirely true, the sentiment behind it is undeniable as Zhang feels like a champion at her favorite tournament just like Nadal does at his.
Zhang’s remarkable journey at the China Open has left fans and critics alike amazed at her resurgence in the sport. Despite her current ranking of No. 595, she is no stranger to success in Beijing, having reached the quarterfinals twice in the past. Her upset victory over then-world No. 1 Dinara Safina in 2009 remains one of the highlights of her career, along with four other Top 10 wins at the tournament.
Speaking about her recent success, Zhang likened the courts at the China Open to Rafael Nadal’s favorite surface at Roland Garros. She expressed, “When I’m on this court, I have everything. I feel so good, so well. Maybe because this court and my tennis is working, like Rafa on the French Open.”
As Zhang gears up to face Guadalajara champion and No. 23 seed Magdalena Frech in the next round, she remains confident and optimistic about her chances. Drawing inspiration from one of Nadal’s famous quotes, Zhang reflects on her journey and the doubts that she has silenced in such a short span of time.
Just a week ago, no one would have expected Zhang to be a threat on the court, considering her recent struggles. However, with her recent wins and newfound confidence, she has become a force to be reckoned with in the tournament, proving that in tennis, anything can happen.
Zhang’s story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience of athletes in the face of adversity. As she continues her magical run at the China Open, fans and onlookers can’t help but admire her determination and unwavering spirit on the court.
