Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai, 35, clawed her way to a dramatic victory in the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard playoff final in Chengdu on Saturday. After a rollercoaster match against compatriot Guo Hanyu (7-6[2], 0-6, 7-5), Zhang punched her ticket to Melbourne for the 13th time 🎉.
🔥 'Guo’s game is next-level – her serves and tactics blew me away!' Zhang admitted post-match. 'This win? Pure luck. We were separated by just one or two points.'
The veteran’s Aussie Open legacy includes a 2016 singles quarterfinal run and a 2019 doubles crown with Aussie partner Samantha Stosur 🏆. After missing this year’s tournament and struggling at Wimbledon/US Open, this comeback feels extra sweet ✨.
Can the 2019 doubles champ reignite her Grand Slam magic in 2025? The court awaits! 👟
