Coming into the China Open, Zhang Shuai was in an historic slump—she had lost her last 24 matches in a row, a streak that dated back to January of last year, and a run that sank her ranking from No. 23 at the time to No. 595 today.
But two days ago, on Wednesday, Zhang’s long international nightmare came to an end as she took out American McCartney Kessler in the first round in Beijing, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (1).
And today, she picked up right where she left off last January, winning her second match in a row, and against a Top 10 player, too, stunning No. 8-ranked Emma Navarro in the second round in Beijing, 6-4, 6-2.
And there’s more: with her victory over Navarro, Zhang has actually won three of her last four matches against Top 10 players.
She didn’t face any Top 10 players during her losing streak.
ZHANG VS TOP 10 PLAYERS SINCE AUGUST 2022:
d. No. 2 Kontaveit in 2022 Cincinnati 3rd Rd, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
l. to No. 7 Sabalenka in 2022 Cincinnati QFs, 6-4, 7-6 (1)
d. No. 10 Garcia in 2022 Tokyo 2nd Rd, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5)
d. No. 8 Navarro in 2024 Beijing 2nd Rd, 6-4, 6-2
