It took eight years and 15 attempts but China’s Zhang Shuai finally won her first Grand Slam singles match last night at the Australian Open. And she did it in style too – the 26-year-old eliminating world number two Simona Halep in a monumental upset.
Currently ranked 133rd in the world, Zhang had lost all four of her previous Australian Open main draw matches before stunning Halep in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, on Margaret Court Arena. She had also been unsuccessful in five appearances at the French Open, three at the US Open and two at Wimbledon.
Last night’s result even seemed to catch Zhang by surprise and she burst into tears within seconds of the final point as the realization of her achievement hit home. Ironically, tomorrow happens to be Zhang’s 27th birthday and she will celebrate by playing in the second round of a Grand Slam for the very first time against France’s Alizé Cornet – the same woman who knocked her out in the opening round of the Australian Open 12 months ago!
Zhang actually beat Cornet in Indian Wells in 2012 and a repeat performance tomorrow would make for the ideal birthday present.
