Zhang Shuai’s arduous singles drought, spanning over a year and a half, has finally come to an end. The 35-year-old Chinese star, who once held the world No. 22 ranking, had not tasted victory in a singles match since January 2023. However, on Wednesday, she broke that streak in emphatic fashion at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.
Zhang’s opponent in the first round was American McCartney Kessler, who had recently won her maiden tour-level title in Cleveland. Despite Kessler serving for the opening set, Zhang rallied back to win 7-6(5), 7-6(1). The victory marked the end of the second-longest losing streak by a WTA player in the Open Era, behind only Madeleine Pegel’s 29-match skid in the early days of the tour.
Zhang’s losing streak had been punctuated by several heartbreaking defeats. In February 2023, she lost a three-set thriller to Anett Kontaveit in Abu Dhabi. In July, she retired from a controversial match against Amarissa Toth in Budapest after an officiating decision went against her. And at the US Open, she squandered a 6-0 first set lead against Ashlyn Krueger, eventually losing 0-6, 6-1, 7-5.
Against Kessler, Zhang showed resilience and determination. After failing to convert a match point in the second set, she regrouped and closed out the match with aplomb. “I think that this is the perfect timing,” Zhang said after the win. “My first win at a WTA tournament was 15 years ago at China Open, and then the next day I beat the No. 1 player [Dinara Safina in 2009]. Maybe God has a plan.”
Zhang’s victory is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. She has faced adversity throughout her career, including a 14-match losing streak in Grand Slam main draws. However, she has always bounced back, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.
In the second round, Zhang will face No. 6 seed Emma Navarro, the US Open semifinalist. It will be a tough test, but Zhang will be confident after breaking her losing streak.
