Match Report | Multiple Chinese Female Players Shine in New Season, Zhang Shuai, Wang Xinyu, and Yuan Yue Each Secure Wins

On January 5th Beijing time, various tournaments in the new year are underway intensively, with many Chinese players achieving victories to start the year on a high note.

Zhang Shuai Photo: Li Jianyi

In the first round of the WTA500 Brisbane singles main draw, Zhang Shuai competed against American Krueger, who had previously beaten her in three sets during their 2024 US Open first-round encounter. In this match, Zhang took the first set, but her form wavered near the end of the second set, allowing her opponent to break serve multiple times and even the match. In the decisive set, facing consecutive break points, Zhang responded actively and fought courageously, ultimately winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, leveling their head-to-head record at 1-1.

Wang Xinyu Photo: Visual China

At the WTA250 Auckland tournament, Wang Xinyu came from behind to defeat American McNally 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, securing her first victory of 2026. Near the end of the final set, Wang missed a match point and was broken, but she quickly regained composure, broke back promptly, and sealed the match on her second match point.

In a post-match interview, Wang Xinyu said, “I didn’t play very well at the end of last year, and after the break, I needed to quickly find my rhythm. Today, my opponent put a lot of pressure on me by constantly coming to the net. I’m glad I was able to respond and ultimately win the match.” In the next round, she might face former US Open champion Stephens, who is scheduled to play against Mexico’s Zarazua later today.

Yuan Yue Photo: Li Jianyi

Good news also came from the WTA125 Canberra event, where Yuan Yue defeated Belgian player Van Der Winkel 6-3, 6-4 to claim her first win of 2026.

In the ATP250 Hong Kong singles qualifying second round, young player Zhou Yi, who had previously won quickly, lost 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 to Tabillo, narrowly missing entry into the main draw. After this match, Zhou Yi’s singles ranking reached a career-high of 248.

(Text and Editing: Sunny)