Zhang Shuai: Being a Clear-headed Dream Chaser

In the first round of the Australian Open women’s singles, Zhang Shuai, soon to celebrate her 37th birthday, lost in a demanding three-set match (3-6, 6-2, 3-6) to 20-year-old Australian local Preston. She openly discussed her feelings about the match, her opponent’s progress, the support from fans, and her views on the growth of tennis in China, demonstrating the composure and clarity of an experienced player.

Zhang saw no hesitation in this match, as both players delivered a high-level, intense contest. She admitted she especially enjoys these kinds of matches because every encounter is an opportunity for self-improvement. Reflecting on their previous meeting in Brisbane, where she narrowly won, she noted how tennis matches often hinge on just one or two crucial points.

“My opponent started very strong today,” Zhang acknowledged. Having gained experience from events like Brisbane, this young player has made significant progress. “Her fundamentals are solid, but she needs more exposure to high-level tournaments to accelerate her growth.” Seeing the rapid breakthrough of younger players brought Zhang joy. She also recalled her 2021 match against Emma Raducanu; shortly after Zhang’s win in San Jose, Raducanu avenged the loss with a powerful performance at the US Open, which Zhang had sensed was enough to propel Raducanu to a championship.

Facing today’s defeat, Zhang maintained a calm mindset: “When your opponent is completely on form, it’s hard to change the outcome. Doing your best is the greatest achievement.”

Speaking about playing away from home, Zhang said this is normal. She smiled and explained that knowing the power of home crowd support is why she always performs well when back on domestic courts. She also expressed special thanks to the fans who came to support her.

“It’s been over twenty years since I first stepped onto the Australian Open junior court in 2003,” Zhang said emotionally. Over the years, the live audience has changed generation after generation, with familiar faces and new ones; Chinese living in Australia, students studying abroad, and fans flying in from China. “To keep competing at Grand Slams and have so many people supporting me makes me really happy.” She admitted that there is only one Grand Slam champion, and most players end their journey with losses, but the shared struggle is far more valuable than the result. “Not giving up when behind and clawing back little by little — that experience already makes me proud.”

Approaching her 37th birthday tomorrow, this loss doesn’t sadden Zhang much. “Although I lost, I played better than in many matches I won — that’s the tennis I want.” She recalled staying patient against her opponent’s early barrage, stabilizing in the second set, and coming back from 1-3 down to 3-3 in the third. “At my age, being able to compete in such intense, long matches is already impressive.” Zhang reflected that many of her current opponents are half her age, and she once had the stamina and spirit to shine in Grand Slams, so she understands the drive of young players. “The result isn’t that important; life is about the experience, not just success.”

In her view, there is never a fixed definition of success. “After winning one Grand Slam, you want another; after collecting all four, you crave an Olympic gold. Human desires are endless and greedy.” Zhang laughed and said she just wants to be “a clear-headed dream chaser,” enjoying the process of pursuing her dreams is enough.

When asked about the outlook for Chinese tennis in the new year, Zhang gave a confident answer: “Chinese tennis will definitely keep improving.” She recalled the early days when only the women’s team appeared on courts and Chinese men were rarely seen in draws. Now, at the Australian Open main draw, there are four men and four women from China, with Li Na and Zheng Qinwen winning Grand Slams and Olympic gold respectively — breakthroughs once unimaginable.

“The development of tennis is like fireworks; after a brilliant burst, you need to gather strength for the next launch,” Zhang explained. The challenges Chinese players faced last year, including injuries and ranking fluctuations, are necessary phases in the sport’s growth. “Like crouching before a jump, gathering energy is to leap higher.” She especially reminded young players to take care of both physical and mental health, “Without a healthy body, there’s no way to stand on the court.” She also called on players, coaches, parents, and media to be patient and encourage the younger generation more. “Don’t rush; take it slow — the future is definitely promising.”

(Text by Felix, Edited by Sunny)