Zhang Shuai's withdrawal ended her doubles run abruptly, prompting fans to ask: Why such a sudden pullout?

Zhang Shuai arrived in Ningbo and left just as quickly, catching everyone off guard with her swift exit!

After falling to American Gauff in straight sets at the Wuhan Open, Zhang Shuai headed to the Ningbo 500 tournament, attracting significant attention. At 36, this seasoned Chinese player became a focal point because she is the best-performing Chinese woman this season and currently in good shape.

Despite her losses to Anisimova at the China Open and to Gauff at the Wuhan Open, the consensus was that Zhang Shuai's tough draws caused early matchups against top seeds; even in great form, losing was expected. Had her opponents been less strong, she had a good chance to advance further.

Therefore, upon reaching Ningbo, many were eager to see how Zhang Shuai would perform in singles. Especially after she and Vondrousova lost their doubles match on the first day to the Tang/Eric pair, fans firmly believed that without doubles commitments, Zhang Shuai could excel in the singles draw. Time and again, when she stumbled early in singles or doubles, she has managed to shine in the other event, thrilling the crowd.

Just as everyone anticipated Zhang Shuai to shine brightly in singles, the veteran suddenly withdrew due to physical discomfort, disappointing fans who were looking forward to her high-profile clash with Russian player Kudermetova.

Zhang Shuai’s withdrawal turned Ruddick into the lucky one. This player, who had failed to qualify for the main draw through qualifiers, suddenly became the fortunate loser and Kudermetova’s first-round opponent.

Regarding this change, fans openly discussed who truly benefited. Although Ruddick got a chance to play the main draw, the real winner is undoubtedly Kudermetova. Considering Zhang Shuai’s strong form this year at the China and Wuhan Opens, facing her in the first round would have posed a tough challenge for the Russian. Now, with an unknown opponent like Ruddick, Kudermetova’s chances of advancing have greatly improved.

Zhang Shuai’s Ningbo journey ended this way. Initially, her first-round doubles exit didn’t raise many concerns, but after her withdrawal, the disappointment and regret over that doubles loss resurfaced.

Zhang Shuai teamed up with former Wimbledon champion Vondrousova in the doubles event at this year’s Ningbo 500 tournament, facing the international pair Tang Qianhui and Eric in the first round. Zhang’s team was highly favored.

Although Zhang and Vondrousova lost the first set 4-6 after losing their lead due to coordination issues, they quickly bounced back by taking the second set 6-4. Their growing chemistry gave hope that they could overturn the match in the deciding match tiebreak.

Unfortunately, in the match tiebreak, Zhang’s team held four match points at 9-5 but couldn’t withstand Tang and Eric’s fierce comeback. They lost six consecutive points and were ultimately upset, exiting the tournament early.

At the time, many viewed Zhang’s early doubles setback lightly, considering it a minor mishap at the Ningbo 500. They expected her to compensate for the loss in singles. Unexpectedly, with Zhang’s singles withdrawal, that doubles defeat became her final performance at this event, bringing a wave of sadness.

After her Wuhan Open exit, Zhang said she would focus on singles to secure a spot for next year’s Australian Open. Now, withdrawing from Ningbo due to physical issues not only raises concerns about that goal but also puzzles fans about how a player who looked so graceful at the China and Wuhan Opens could suddenly be unable to continue. Hence, the heartfelt question arises: “Why the sudden withdrawal?”

“Playing four consecutive days, from doubles to singles, is truly taxing on the body.” Zhang’s two three-set matches at the Wuhan Open lasted over four hours. Such intensity can exhaust even younger players, let alone a 36-year-old veteran. Thus, when fans revisited her Wuhan comments, it largely explained her Ningbo withdrawal. It must have been extreme fatigue; otherwise, given her resilient nature, she wouldn’t have pulled out unless seriously unwell.

When will Zhang Shuai next appear on court? This is the question on everyone’s mind. We all hope her Ningbo withdrawal is just a temporary break for rest and won’t affect her pursuit of qualifying for next year’s Australian Open.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonriver’s Starry Sky)