Zhang Shuai Upsets Emma Navarro in Dramatic Wuhan Open Match

WUHAN, CHINA — Zhang Shuai pulled off a thrilling upset over No. 14 seed Emma Navarro on Tuesday at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. The match ended with a score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, showcasing a rollercoaster of momentum over just 1 hour and 36 minutes.

The contest was marked by extreme contrasts, as Zhang initially dominated, winning five successive games after falling behind 1-0 in the opening set. Although she faced five set points before sealing the first set, her lead quickly evaporated when Navarro rebounded in the second set, winning eight consecutive games.

Navarro’s comeback saw her convert 32 out of 37 points during a dominant stretch, taking a 3-0 lead in the final set. However, Zhang regained her momentum, demonstrating skill at the net and winning 12 of the next 13 points to tie the score at 3-3.

As the match progressed, Zhang continued her aggressive play, finishing strong with a run of five straight points to take the match. In her on-court interview, she credited the support of the local crowd for her victory, saying, “In the final set when I got 0-3, all of you were giving me great energy to have a strong comeback, so thank you.”

The victory gives Zhang her 23rd career Top 20 win, with her next opponent set to be either Sorana Cirstea or Jelena Ostapenko, who withdrew due to heat illness while trailing.