Major upset! 37-year-old Chinese veteran bags a 10-0 bagel against a former French Open champion, wins two in a row to reach the round of 32, set to face Sabalenka.

On August 5, Beijing time, in the second round of the women's singles at the WTA1000 Toronto, a high-profile match just concluded. Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai, 37, erupted once again, blanking former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 2-0, with set scores of 6-0 and 4-0, as her opponent retired in the second set. Thus, Zhang Shuai won 10 straight games to hand Ostapenko a 10-0 bagel—an incredible momentum. Her likely opponent in the third round is world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka!

As a seasoned player among China's golden flowers, Zhang Shuai has enjoyed a long career and remains competitive. She excels not only in doubles but also maintains a solid singles game, currently ranked 62nd in singles. In this tournament, Zhang Shuai has rediscovered her form. In the first round, she blanked her nemesis Yulia Putintseva, whom she hadn't beaten in seven years—a tough mountain to climb. In the second round, she faced former French Open champion Ostapenko, who is ranked 29th and possesses great power. Many expected Zhang Shuai to struggle, but instead she went on a rampage, nearly delivering a double bagel to Ostapenko!

From the start, the match was completely one-sided. Zhang Shuai was firing on all cylinders, with precise shots, varied placements, and impenetrable defense. She quickly steamrolled to a 6-0 sweep in the first set. In the second set, she maintained her relentless attack, dominating both offensively and defensively, and took a 4-0 lead. At that point, Ostapenko could no longer hold on and retired to avoid a double bagel, as Zhang Shuai was in a ruthless mood. Thus, Zhang Shuai swept her opponent 2-0, securing two straight wins and advancing to the round of 32!

It must be said that Zhang Shuai is truly inspiring. Who would have thought she would become the best-performing Chinese female tennis player at the moment? As a 37-year-old veteran, Zhang Shuai always maintains a high fighting spirit, gritting her teeth and persevering for the sport she loves. She has done this year after year, setting a shining example of perseverance. Young players like Zheng Qinwen should learn from her!

According to the schedule, if Sabalenka defeats Nao Hibino, she will likely become Zhang Shuai's third-round opponent. The probability is very high. Let's look forward to this match and wait and see!

Text/Sports Novel