Feature: Veteran Zhang Shuai regains confidence after surprising run at China Open

After dropping to world No. 595 following an agonizing 24-match losing streak, Zhang Shuai made a remarkable comeback by reaching the China Open quarterfinals. The unexpected run inspired the 35-year-old to set aside thoughts of retirement and focus on next season.

by sportswriters Gao Meng, Li Chunyu and Yang Boyi

BEIJING, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Despite her best efforts, China's seasoned tennis player Zhang Shuai fell short in her third attempt to make the women's singles semifinals at the China Open after losing to Paula Badosa on Thursday night.

After their match, Badosa offered her heartfelt encouragement for the 35-year-old Zhang, saying, "Don't retire, you have really, really high level."

Zhang's journey to this point had not been easy. Before the China Open, she had endured an agonizing 24-match losing streak in the season.

The pressure and anxiety leading up to the tournament were immense, but Zhang met them with a steadfast resolve. She channeled her emotions into rigorous training, striving to overcome her doubts and improve her competitive form.

And it paid off, as the world No. 595 unexpectedly charged into the quarterfinals, matching her personal best and demonstrating a remarkable improvement in her spirits.

"In 30 years of playing tennis, I have never been so satisfied," Zhang noted after advancing to the last 16.

Her signature smile returned, and even after her loss to Badosa, she remained positive and optimistic about the future. She spoke no more about retirement. Instead, she set her sights on next year's Grand Slams.

"I'm really looking forward to the next year. I have plans for the doubles; I play with Kiki (Yang Zhaoxuan). And then for singles, [I'll] try to back to the top 200 and then try to win some Grand Slams or big tournaments," she revealed.

"I know that takes a lot of matches in lower level tournaments that award fewer ranking points, but I will give my all for every single match, just as I have been doing since I first picked up the racket."

After years of ups and downs, trying to adapt her playing style to an ever-changing tennis landscape, Zhang had a message for the younger generation, and perhaps also her peers, to remain committed to their goals and dreams - what she has been doing all the way.

"Every person has their dreams, and dreams can be very different. I'm fighting for it, I'm working toward it. That's why I want to tell every tennis player do not give up your dreams. Even if you can't do it, you can change your way. You will feel that it's worthwhile."

Zhang poetically reflects on her career, saying, "Everyone is a different flower, with their own blooming period. I may not have bloomed early, but perhaps I have my own pace." ■