preface
In the golden autumn season of Beijing, a tennis miracle is being staged. A former Chinese golden flower, after a long trough, suddenly burst out with amazing strength.
Not only did she end a heart-wrenching losing streak, but she also staged a jaw-dropping comeback in the second round. The athlete's performance not only cheered the crowd, but also paved the way for another Chinese athlete's future.
What is the strength that sustains her to be reborn in the trough? How will her victory affect the future of tennis in China?
Ended a 24-game losing streak and defeated the No. 6 seed
In Beijing's golden autumn season, the 35-year-old Zhang Shuai staged an amazing "soaring against the wind" at the China Open. The former Chinese women's tennis sister used her racket to write a moving story about perseverance and rebirth.
In the first round, Zhang Shuai successfully defeated Kessler of the United States, ending an embarrassing record of 24 consecutive singles defeats. It was a hard-won victory, and every serve, every swing of the racket was a reflection of her sweat and tears over the past 20 months.
When the last ball landed, Zhang Shuai's calm expression hid a relieved joy. However, Zhang Shuai did not stop there. In the second round, she once again showed amazing strength.
Facing world No. 8 and No. 6 seed of United States Navarro, Zhang Shuai swept his opponent 6-4, 6-2. This victory not only proved her strength, but also announced to the world that the 35-year-old "young player" Zhang Shuai is still a force to be reckoned with.
It's as if time has been turned back on the China Open. Fifteen years ago, in 2009, the 20-year-old Zhang Shuai upset Safina at the time and won his first career tour victory. At that moment, the young Zhang Shuai was like a rising star, allowing the world to witness the hope of Chinese tennis.
Now, the 2024 China Open has once again become a turning point in Zhang Shuai's career. In the past 15 years, Zhang Shuai has transformed from a young girl to an experienced veteran.
Despite her age, her hunger for victory has not diminished in the slightest. This two-game winning streak is not only a farewell to the past trough, but also a gorgeous rebirth.
Zhang Shuai's performance makes people sigh that age seems to be just a number. Every swing of her racket is full of power, and every serve is full of wisdom. The 35-year-old "youngster" proved with practical actions that as long as there is love in her heart, there will always be a place for her on the court.
However, Zhang Shuai's story is far from over. She will face more tough opponents in the upcoming matches. Can this hard-won good start continue?
Will she be able to return to the forefront of the world and achieve new glory? More importantly, what kind of inspiration will Zhang Shuai's experience bring to other athletes who are at a low point?
The original article was published in Qingtong Perspective2024-09-27"About"China Net|Zhang Shuai blocked Navarro and sent Zheng Qinwen a "gift" for the finals"
It is not easy to persist in the trough behind the losing streak
Behind Zhang Shuai's 24-game losing streak was a long and arduous 604 days. From the final victory at the Lyon Open in France on January 31, 2023, to the rebirth battle at the China Open on September 25, 2024, Zhang Shuai has experienced the toughest test of his career.
In these 604 days, Zhang Shuai's world ranking has slipped from 22nd at his peak to 595th. Injuries have become her worst enemy, not only affecting her form, but also shaking her confidence.
At this year's U.S. Open, when Zhang Shuai suffered her 23rd consecutive defeat, she publicly said she didn't know if this was her last Grand Slam singles match. For the first time, the thought of retirement came to the veteran's mind so clearly.
However, it was in such a trough that Zhang Shuai showed amazing perseverance. Instead of giving up, she continued to train and look for opportunities to get back to the top. This persistence stems from her deep love for tennis, as well as the support and encouragement of those around her.
In this long wait, the support of the fans has become an important motivation for Zhang Shuai to persevere. On social media, countless fans sent private messages of encouragement, believing that Zhang Shuai would one day return to the top. In the China Open, the enthusiasm of the audience gave Zhang Shuai great energy.
She said after the game that it was this kind of support that allowed her to stabilize her mentality at key moments and ultimately win the game. The persistence of the coaching team also contributed to it. Even when Zhang Shuai fell out of the top 500, they still believed in her potential and constantly adjusted her training plan to help her regain her confidence.
The wild card given by the China Tennis Organizing Committee provides Zhang Shuai with an excellent stage to prove himself. This trust is undoubtedly an affirmation of Zhang Shuai's strength, and it has also become an important opportunity for her to return to the top.
In this contest with himself, Zhang Shuai proved the power of the phrase "as long as there is love in your heart, it will always be the year of fighting" with practical actions. However, returning to action is only the beginning of a new journey. In the face of the upcoming challenges, will Zhang Shuai be able to maintain this form?
What can her experience teach other athletes who are at a low ebb? In competitive sports, how to maintain confidence in the trough, and how to look at the relationship between age and strength?
The original article was published in the Beijing News 2024-09-26 "Regarding "Zhang Shuai ended her 24-game losing streak in Beijing, Ma Long's words inspired her to continue to move forward"
Never give up and refuel for the future
Zhang Shuai's professionalism is a role model in tennis, and her never-say-die spirit stems from her pure love for tennis. During the trough, Zhang Shuai took inspiration from table tennis player Ma Long.
Malone once said: "As long as you have love, it will always be the year to fight." This sentence became the motivation for Zhang Shuai to persevere, so that she still maintained her passion for tennis and her desire to win at the "advanced age" of 35.
In the face of doubts from the outside world, Zhang Shuai chose to respond with practical actions. When some thought she couldn't get back to her top form, she proved she was still capable of achieving at a high level with two straight wins at the China Open.
She said after the race: "I just want everyone to see that my daily efforts are not in vain. This attitude is not only a testament to her professionalism, but also to her resilience in the face of challenges.
Looking to the future, Zhang Shuai's goal is clear and firm. The first task is to move up the world rankings, from the current 595th. She said after the game that she would work hard little by little to bring the rankings back. It's not just a commitment to herself, it's a reward for the fans and coaching staff who support her.
For the upcoming game, Zhang Shuai is full of expectations. Every match is a new challenge and opportunity, and she hopes to continue her good form at the China Open and show her strength on more courts.
Although the road ahead is still full of challenges, Zhang Shuai's eyes sparkle with a desire to win and a love for tennis.
The original article was published in the Global Times on 2024-09-27 "About" Zhang Shuai: Every day's hard work is not to go home with the first round of bonuses! ”
epilogue
Zhang Shuai's story is not only an athlete's struggle, but also a life inspiration about perseverance and love. She interprets the true meaning of "never give up" with her actions, showing the spiritual outlook that a true professional athlete should have.
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