ranked Zhang stuns US Open semi

Zhang Shuai, a former top-25 player, has made headlines with her remarkable performance at the China Open in Beijing. At 35 years old and ranked 595th, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Emma Navarro, a sixth seed and US Open semi-finalist, in straight sets. This victory is particularly significant as it follows Zhang's first singles win in over 600 days, ending a painful stretch of 24 consecutive losses on the WTA Tour. Zhang's journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, primarily due to injuries that have hindered her performance. Despite these setbacks, she entered the prestigious WTA 1000 event as a wildcard and has demonstrated her tenacity by defeating higher-ranked opponents, including the 65th-ranked McCartney Kessler in her opening match. Her success in Beijing not only showcases her skill but also her determination to reclaim her place in professional tennis. As the lowest-ranked player in the main draw of her home tournament, Zhang's achievements resonate with fans and aspiring athletes alike, serving as a testament to her resilience. Looking ahead, Zhang is set to face either the 28th-seeded Anastasia Potapova or Belgium’s Greet Minnen in the next round, where she hopes to continue her impressive run and further solidify her comeback story in the sport.