CANBERRA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China Jinhua Zhang Shuai told Xinhua News Agency on 20 January after qualifying for the Australian Open Women's Singles Round of 32 that she cherishes the state of gradual recovery and hopes to maintain it and "continue to work hard to move forward."
On January 20, Zhang Shuai was interviewed after the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Xuefei
In this Grand Slam in 2021, Zhang Shuai regretted stopping in the first round. On the 20th, in the second round of competition at Melbourne Park, facing the 12th seed, Kazakhstan's LaiBakina, the Chinese women's singles will win the first set 6:4. In the second set, when Zhang Shuai led 1:0, the opponent chose to retire due to injury.
Zhang Shuai, who is now ranked 74th in the world, has reached the Australian Open women's singles round of 32 again since 2019 and 2020, when he will face Belgium's No. 19 seed Mertens.
On January 20, Zhang Shuai celebrated scoring in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Xuefei
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters on the post-match video, Zhang Shuai said that last year, because of the impact of the epidemic in training and competition, the high-intensity exercise suddenly stopped, resulting in arm pain and affecting the body and competitive state. Through the second half of the year adjustments and competitions, she gradually regained her form.
"After all, at my current age, being able to maintain the quality of the body and the better state of muscles requires good training and accumulation every day." Zhang Shuai, 32, said.
"As everyone knows, I am either in the gym, on the court, or in therapy every day, so now adjust to a better state, can support me to have a good performance, I hope I can continue to work hard in such a good state."
Zhang Shuai (left) greets Lebakina after the match on January 20. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Bai Xuefei
So far, this Australian Open trip, only Zhang Shuai and Wang Qiang in China's Jinhua have advanced to the women's singles round of 32. The other three golden flowers Wang Xinyu, Wang Xiyu and Zheng Qinwen stopped in the second round, but all won their first victories at the Australian Open. Zhang Shuai is very positive about the performance of the three young players. She said that at the age of 20, they have surpassed their performance at the same age.
'To be able to see them perform so well, and the fighting spirit and ability they show on the pitch, it's not just me, but a lot of players and coaches who are shining." She said.
"Now that there are more Chinese players, I think our country, the tennis association, the national team and the provincial and municipal teams and clubs have been very important for the development of young players for so many years. I also hope to see more young players come to the Grand Slam to show their style. ”
Source: Xinhua News Agency