At 35 years old, wildcard Zhang Shuai is set to make history as the lowest-ranked player to reach the quarterfinals of the China Open, where she will face Spain’s Paula Badosa. This remarkable achievement comes after a grueling period of over 600 days without a singles victory, marking the second-longest losing streak in WTA Tour history since the Open Era began in 1968.
Zhang’s journey into the tournament was fraught with pressure and anxiety. Before her first match in Beijing, she had endured 24 consecutive losses, leading to deep self-doubt about her ability to compete. “I had no idea how to win, and I didn’t want to lose another match, especially with all the Chinese fans supporting me,” she recalled, expressing the weight of expectation on her shoulders. The emotional toll of her losing streak left her contemplating retirement, unsure of whether she should continue pursuing her singles career.
However, her fortunes began to change dramatically in Beijing. Zhang showcased her resilience by winning four matches in just seven days without dropping a single set. After her convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory over Poland’s Magdalena Frech in the last 16, she reflected on her painful journey, stating, “When I think about this, I feel really sad.” This statement underscored the emotional struggle she faced throughout her losing streak.
Encouragement from her coaching team and peers played a crucial role in Zhang’s decision to keep fighting. Despite her singles challenges, she had continued to excel in doubles, where she is a two-time major champion. Her recent run to the women’s doubles final at the US Open alongside France’s Kristina Mladenovic served as a reminder of her talent and potential, motivating her to continue competing in singles as well.
Zhang also expressed her comfort playing on the hard courts in Beijing, where she has competed many times throughout her career. “I felt at home here, and I believed I had a chance to break my losing streak,” she explained. This familiarity with the venue, combined with her newfound confidence, allowed her to play freely and rediscover her love for the game.
The support she received from fellow players further fueled her determination. Zhang mentioned that the camaraderie and encouragement from her peers in the locker room were pivotal during her tough times. She particularly noted the emotional impact of seeing four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka celebrate her resurgence, stating, “It was so emotional to see her and feel their support.”
Reflecting on her comeback, Zhang acknowledged that the path to recovery was not without its challenges. “Sometimes I lost faith because the good results never came,” she admitted. Yet, her coach’s unwavering belief in her abilities provided a beacon of hope. “He said, ‘For sure one day, if you win one match, you can continue to win a lot of matches,’” she shared, emphasizing how that encouragement helped her regain her confidence.
Now, as she prepares for her match against Badosa, Zhang is determined to seize this opportunity and continue her remarkable turnaround. “If someone had told me to retire, maybe I’m done,” she stated, highlighting how close she came to ending her career. With her recent success, Zhang Shuai has not only defied the odds but also reignited her passion for tennis, proving that perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
