Zhang Shuai staged an incredible comeback to reach the women's doubles round of 16, while Wang Xinyu's match time against Anisimova is set, with odds predicting a tough battle.

Zhang Shuai delivered another shock and amazement at Melbourne Park, demonstrating that age brings wisdom and skill.

Though her partner Mertens was viewed as a strong contender for the doubles championship this Australian Open, the matchup against the Jovic and Mboko pair was expected to be a significant test for Zhang’s team.

While Jovic and Mboko don’t hold any Grand Slam doubles titles, both reached the singles round of 16, leading fans and netizens to warn that this duo was equally dangerous. Zhang and Mertens had to be flawless and maintain their form; otherwise, a scare would be minor compared to the real regret of losing to these two 18-year-old youngsters and missing out on the chance to compete for the title early.

After this high-profile match ended, many breathed a sigh of relief, saying that luckily Zhang and Mertens, as experienced Grand Slam doubles champions, were on the court; otherwise, others might have fought hard for three sets only to come up empty-handed.

In the match against Zhang and Mertens, Mboko and Jovic performed just as many had predicted — they were no pushovers. They dominated the first set with a 5-0 lead. When everyone thought Zhang’s team was unlikely to overturn the deficit and would lose the first set easily, a miraculous scene unfolded. One fan described it as Zhang and Mertens flipping the script completely, turning into ruthless killers by winning seven consecutive games, giving Jovic and Mboko a vivid lesson, leaving the young duo stunned as they lost the first set 5-7.

However, after the second set, Zhang’s team still couldn’t withstand the youthful duo’s momentum. Although they staged an impressive comeback from 1-3 down to level at 3-3, they ultimately failed to replicate the thrilling turnaround from the first set and lost the second set 4-6, allowing Mboko and Jovic to even the match.

The deciding set pushed the tension and excitement of the match to its peak.

Seeing Zhang’s team fall behind 1-4 at the start of the final set and witnessing Mboko and Jovic’s aggressive youthful dominance, while some still believed in Zhang’s ability to rally, confidence in their comeback was clearly shaken.

Even though they fought back to take the final set into a tiebreak, when Zhang’s team lost a point at 8-7 and handed over match point, many felt their hearts completely sink. Unexpectedly, the pair shocked everyone again by saving three match points and pulling off a stunning comeback, sealing the victory at 12-10 and securing their place in the doubles round of 16.

“In those final points, she played some truly 'scary' shots. Having your experience by my side helped me immensely. You taught me so many doubles skills. Although my net play is still far from yours, I will keep working hard and learning from you,” Zhang said after a match that kept everyone on edge throughout. She emphasized the enormous pressure in the deciding set and admitted that without Mertens’ strong support, a comeback in such a tough situation would have been nearly impossible.

Mertens, in turn, praised Zhang’s outstanding performance, which ultimately allowed them to emerge victorious in this grueling battle.

After defeating the strong duo of Jovic and Mboko, Zhang’s team faces Baptiste and Stearns in the round of 16. Many say the hardest hurdle is already behind them, and with overwhelming support, they are favored to advance to the quarterfinals without much doubt.

Zhang Shuai delivered an exhilarating victory, and Wang Xinyu, who is currently setting new personal bests at Melbourne Park, has everyone eager to see how she will perform in the round of 16.

Wang will compete against Anisimova for a spot in the singles quarterfinals, a match considered even tougher than her previous encounters with Ostapenko and Noskova.

Bookmakers have already cast doubt on Wang Xinyu’s chances in this key match, offering odds of 5 to 1 against her, while Anisimova stands at 1.17 to 1.

Recalling Wang’s previous round against Noskova, where the odds also underestimated her, some still believe that if Wang can fully let go of the pressure, she might once again surprise everyone and defy the bookmakers’ predictions.

The match time for Wang Xinyu versus Anisimova has been confirmed; they will face off at around 10:30 AM Beijing time on January 26. Whether Wang can deliver another stunning upset like in the first two rounds remains the biggest highlight of this match. Fans eagerly await her performance!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)