Tennis

Zhang Shuai's remarkable resurgence continues to astound as she has now won four consecutive matches in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals of the China Open, a WTA 1000 event. This impressive run comes after a challenging period where she endured a 24-match losing streak over the past year and a half, dropping her ranking to No. 595.In her latest triumph, Zhang defeated No. 23 seed Magdalena Frech 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round. Frech had been in impressive form, winning her previous seven matches, including her maiden WTA title in Guadalajara and reaching the fourth round in Beijing.Zhang's victory marks her first WTA quarterfinal appearance in over two years, since Tokyo in September 2022. Her last WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance was even longer ago, at Cincinnati in August 2022. This is her fifth career WTA 1000 quarterfinal.Zhang's previous WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearances include:* 2014 Rome (lost to Serena Williams)* 2016 Beijing (lost to Johanna Konta)* 2018 Beijing (lost to Naomi Osaka)* 2022 Cincinnati (lost to Aryna Sabalenka)Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has overcome adversity to rediscover her winning ways and is now poised to make a deep run in her home tournament.

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, two of the most promising stars in women's tennis, will face off for the first time since 2022 at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday. The highly anticipated clash marks a significant milestone in their careers, as both players have undergone major transformations since their last encounter.Gauff, now a Grand Slam champion herself, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her victory at the 2023 French Open propelled her into the elite ranks of tennis, and she has continued to impress with her consistent performances throughout the season. Osaka, on the other hand, has returned to the WTA Tour after a 15-month hiatus due to mental health concerns. The four-time major winner is eager to regain her former dominance and prove that she is still a formidable opponent.This match-up is particularly intriguing given the contrasting trajectories of the two players. Gauff has been on a steady upward trajectory, while Osaka has faced challenges in recent years. However, Osaka's recent performances in Beijing suggest that she is regaining her form. She has won three matches this week, tying her best performance at a single tournament in 2024.The China Open has been a happy hunting ground for Osaka in the past. She won the WTA 1000 event in 2019 and will be looking to replicate that success this year. A victory over Gauff would not only boost her confidence but also push her back into the Top 50 of the WTA rankings.Gauff, for her part, will be determined to prove that she is not just a one-hit wonder. She reached the semifinals of the China Open last year and will be aiming to go even further this time around. However, she will need to be at her best to overcome Osaka, who has a 2-2 head-to-head record against her.Both players have made significant changes to their teams since their last meeting. Osaka has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette and is now working with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. Gauff has added Matt Daly to her coaching staff, who will work alongside Jean-Christophe Faurel.The clash between Gauff and Osaka is not just a battle between two talented players but also a clash of styles. Gauff is known for her aggressive baseline play, while Osaka is a more versatile player who can adapt to different surfaces and opponents. It promises to be a fascinating encounter that could have a significant impact on the remainder of the season.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's third-ranked tennis player, has advanced to the semifinals of the China Open for the second consecutive year. The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 in an impressive display of baseline dominance.Alcaraz's relentless pressure on Khachanov's serve proved decisive, as he converted four of 12 break opportunities. The victory marks Alcaraz's 46th win of the season and propels him back into second place in the ATP live rankings, ahead of the absent Alexander Zverev.In the semifinals, Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Flavio Cobolli of Italy 6-2, 6-4. Medvedev, still seeking his first title of the year, played a solid match, making 16 fewer unforced errors than his opponent.Earlier in the tournament, Andrey Rublev defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 7-5 in a match that was delayed by rain. Rublev's victory extends his career record against Davidovich Fokina to 5-0.The China Open semifinals promise to be an exciting affair, with Alcaraz and Medvedev set to clash in a battle of top-ranked players. Rublev will also be a formidable opponent, as he looks to continue his impressive run in Beijing.

Lars Graff, the former chair umpire and ATP supervisor, has transitioned into a new role as co-tournament director of Beijing's China Open. In this capacity, he interacts closely with top tennis stars, a stark contrast to his previous role where he maintained a distance from players.Graff's background in the military, chair umpiring, and ATP supervision has equipped him well for his current role. He emphasizes the importance of player care and creating a positive experience for them.The China Open has undergone significant improvements under Graff's leadership. The gym has been expanded, player areas have been upgraded with new lockers and facilities, and the landscaping has been enhanced.Graff recalls memorable moments from his time in Beijing, including the 2007 WTA final where he calmed down Jelena Jankovic amidst crowd enthusiasm. He also officiated Roger Federer's last match in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games.Graff acknowledges that he would not have been ready for this role 20 years ago but has grown into it. He believes his long involvement in the sport and understanding of players' needs gives him an advantage.

Zhang Shuai, the Chinese tennis veteran, is experiencing a career resurgence at the China Open, drawing comparisons to Rafael Nadal's dominance at the French Open. After a 24-match losing streak, Zhang has won three consecutive matches in Beijing, including a victory over Top 10 player Emma Navarro.Zhang attributes her success to the familiar surface of the China Open court, which she believes gives her an advantage similar to Nadal's on Philippe Chatrier. "When I'm on this court, I have everything," Zhang said. "I have no idea why, but every time when I play China Open, I play so good, so well."Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite her recent struggles, she has never lost her belief in her abilities. "I don't think too much about before. I don't think too much about future. I just enjoy every moment and think about today," she said.Zhang's next challenge will be against Guadalajara champion Magdalena Frech, who has won her last seven matches. Zhang is confident in her abilities and is channeling the spirit of Nadal's famous quote: "What happened has happened, and here we are; we're in Beijing."Zhang's success at the China Open is a reminder that anything is possible in sports. Even after a difficult period, athletes can find their form again and achieve great things. Zhang's story is an inspiration to all who face adversity in their lives.

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have advanced to the fourth round of the China Open, marking their first appearances in this stage of the tournament. Pegula, the second seed, overcame Veronika Kudermetova in a thrilling three-set battle, while Gauff, the fourth seed, defeated Katie Boulter in straight sets.Pegula's victory was particularly significant as it was her first against Kudermetova in three career meetings. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreak, Pegula rallied to win the next two sets convincingly, breaking Kudermetova's serve twice in each set.Gauff, on the other hand, faced a more straightforward challenge against Boulter. After losing the first two games, Gauff regained her composure and won eight of the last 10 games to secure the victory.Other notable results from the China Open include Paula Badosa's victory over Rebecca Sramkova, Zhang Shuai's win against Greet Minnen, and Yuliia Starodubtseva's impressive run to the fourth round in her WTA 1000 main-draw debut.In the men's event, Carlos Alcaraz notched his 200th career victory with a dominant performance against Tallon Griekspoor. Karen Khachanov also advanced, while wild card Bu Yunchaokete upset Lorenzo Musetti.

China's Zhang Shuai has emerged from a historic slump, snapping a 24-match losing streak that had plagued her since January 2023. Her resurgence began with a first-round victory over McCartney Kessler at the China Open, followed by a stunning upset of world No. 8 Emma Navarro in the second round.Zhang's triumph over Navarro marks her third win against a Top 10 player in her last four matches. Notably, she has not faced any Top 10 opponents during her losing streak. This victory is particularly significant as it comes 15 years after her first career Top 10 win over Dinara Safina at the 2009 China Open.Zhang's impressive record against Top 10 players includes eight wins on hard courts, six in Asia, and four in China, all of which have occurred in Beijing. Her current ranking of No. 595 is projected to rise back into the Top 450 following her recent victories.Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has overcome a challenging period in her career and is now poised to make a strong comeback. Her next challenge will be in the third round of the China Open, where she will face either Anastasia Potapova or Greet Minnen.

Zhang Shuai's arduous singles drought, spanning over a year and a half, has finally come to an end. The 35-year-old Chinese star, who once held the world No. 22 ranking, had not tasted victory in a singles match since January 2023. However, on Wednesday, she broke that streak in emphatic fashion at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.Zhang's opponent in the first round was American McCartney Kessler, who had recently won her maiden tour-level title in Cleveland. Despite Kessler serving for the opening set, Zhang rallied back to win 7-6(5), 7-6(1). The victory marked the end of the second-longest losing streak by a WTA player in the Open Era, behind only Madeleine Pegel's 29-match skid in the early days of the tour.Zhang's losing streak had been punctuated by several heartbreaking defeats. In February 2023, she lost a three-set thriller to Anett Kontaveit in Abu Dhabi. In July, she retired from a controversial match against Amarissa Toth in Budapest after an officiating decision went against her. And at the US Open, she squandered a 6-0 first set lead against Ashlyn Krueger, eventually losing 0-6, 6-1, 7-5.Against Kessler, Zhang showed resilience and determination. After failing to convert a match point in the second set, she regrouped and closed out the match with aplomb. "I think that this is the perfect timing," Zhang said after the win. "My first win at a WTA tournament was 15 years ago at China Open, and then the next day I beat the No. 1 player [Dinara Safina in 2009]. Maybe God has a plan."Zhang's victory is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. She has faced adversity throughout her career, including a 14-match losing streak in Grand Slam main draws. However, she has always bounced back, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.In the second round, Zhang will face No. 6 seed Emma Navarro, the US Open semifinalist. It will be a tough test, but Zhang will be confident after breaking her losing streak.

As the leaves turn vibrant hues, the tennis world embarks on its annual Asian swing, with the China Open and Kinoshita Group Japan Open taking center stage.China Open (WTA)Beijing welcomes seven of the women's Top 10, including Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, for the prestigious WTA 1000 event. Defending champion Iga Swiatek's absence is notable, as she prioritizes her schedule amidst mandatory events.Coco Gauff, fresh from her post-Brad Gilbert era, will be a player to watch. Zheng Qinwen, the gold medalist, returns to her home city with high expectations. Emma Navarro, a recent Top 10 debutante, will seek to make her mark.Other notable participants include US Open semifinalist Karolina Muchova, Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, and 2019 Beijing champion Naomi Osaka.Kinoshita Group Japan Open (ATP)Tokyo has become a familiar stomping ground for American players, with Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton returning to defend their titles. However, fatigue from the Laver Cup may linger.Fritz, the top seed, faces a tough opener against Arthur Fils. Shelton and Tiafoe also have challenging first-round matches against Reilly Opelka and Brandon Nakashima, respectively.Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tommy Paul, and Holger Rune round out the Top 8 seeds.Intriguing first-round matchups include Fritz vs. Fils, Tiafoe vs. Nakashima, and Marin Cilic vs. Kei Nishikori, a rematch of the 2014 US Open final.