Zhang Shuai’s remarkable journey at the China Open came to an end on Thursday, as the world number 595 fell to Spain’s Paula Badosa in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(4), in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, Zhang’s run was nothing short of historic, given her ranking and recent struggles.
The 35-year-old Zhang, once ranked in the top 25, had endured a painful 24-match losing streak spanning more than 600 days, the second-longest in WTA history. However, she defied expectations in Beijing, winning four matches to reach the last eight, becoming the lowest-ranked player to do so at the tournament.
In front of a supportive crowd on Diamond Court, Zhang struggled in the first set, falling to a 4-1 deficit as Badosa capitalized on unforced errors to win it in just 23 minutes. Zhang, a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, rebounded in the second set, breaking Badosa early for a 2-0 lead. However, Badosa, ranked 19th, fought back and ultimately sealed the victory in a tiebreak on her first match point.
Badosa now advances to the semifinals, where she will face either fourth seed Coco Gauff or Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva.
