China’s 595th-ranked Zhang Shuai has expressed her determination to continue her tennis career after a remarkable journey at the Beijing tournament concluded in the quarter-finals on Thursday. The 35-year-old player emerged as one of the standout stories of the China Open, having entered the prestigious WTA 1000 event amid a daunting streak of 24 consecutive singles losses— the second-longest in WTA Tour history since the Open Era began in 1968.
Despite her recent struggles, Zhang displayed resilience by winning four matches in a row in the Chinese capital, making it to the last eight. However, her inspiring run came to an end as she fell to Spain’s former world number two, Paula Badosa, with a score of 6-1, 7-6 (7/4).
Zhang made history as the lowest-ranked player to reach the quarter-finals of this tournament. Encouraged by fellow players, including Badosa, she revealed her intention to shift her focus back to singles, stating, “Before, my plan was to play more doubles, but now I think I have to change the plan. Paula told me I have to play. Don’t retire.”
As a former top-25 player who is set to climb back into the 200s in the rankings, Zhang expressed her resolve to compete in as many singles and doubles matches as possible next year. She had contemplated quitting after her extensive losing streak, questioning whether to continue her professional career or focus solely on doubles.
“I did not want that,” she admitted, explaining that she felt uncertain about her future beyond tennis. Despite her elite status, she faced challenges in pursuing coaching opportunities, having been turned down for a position at a prestigious Beijing university due to a lack of a local residential permit.
“I do not know what I can do after I retire,” Zhang shared, emphasizing her love for the sport and her desire to remain on tour. “I think the only thing left for me is to continue to be a professional tennis player. Other than that, what can I do?”
