China's Zhang Shuai and French partner Kristina Mladenovic delivered a masterclass in teamwork Saturday, crushing Peyton Stearns (USA) and Luisa Stefani (Brazil) 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the Australian Open women’s doubles Round of 16. 🌟
The dynamic duo saved all seven break points against them while converting every chance they created. The match’s opening game set the tone – an 18-minute adrenaline rush featuring 10 deuces on Zhang’s serve before they sealed it with back-to-back winners. 💥
Mladenovic’s laser-focused backhand down the line clinched the first set, while Zhang’s clutch forehand winner through the middle sealed their victory. Together, they fired 20 winners compared to their opponents’ eight. 🏆
Next up: A showdown for the quarterfinals spot. Can this unstoppable pair keep the momentum? 👀
