VIDEO: After 24 defeats. Zhang Shuai’s emotions following victory over Navarro
On September 27, a 1/32 final match of the WTA 1000 hard-court tournament in Beijing (China) took place between Emma Navarro (USA, WTA No. 8) and Zhang Shuai (China, WTA No. 595).
The match ended in a shocking defeat for the world’s 8th-ranked player in just two sets, lasting 1 hour and 16 minutes!
Bookmakers had placed Navarro as a heavy favorite with odds of 1.04, while the 35-year-old Chinese player's chances were rated at over 12.00.
What made the upset even more remarkable was Zhang Shuai's streak of 24 consecutive losses leading up to the tournament, the longest losing streak in tennis history. She broke this unfortunate run in the first round by defeating McCartney Kessler (7-6, 7-6), and now, she has knocked out Emma Navarro.
Zhang's emotions after this stunning victory were worth noting. Additionally, the experienced Chinese player set a tournament record, becoming the lowest-ranked player to defeat a top-10 opponent at the China Open since the tournament’s inception in 2004.
In the 1/16 finals, Zhang Shuai will face Belgium's Greet Minnen (WTA No. 94). The match is scheduled for September 29.
VIDEO: After 24 defeats. Zhang Shuai’s emotions following victory over Navarro
Leo Peterson
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
