Zhang Shuai and Kristina Mladenovic Reach Australian Open Quarterfinals Despite Challenging Start

In a noteworthy performance at the Australian Open, Zhang Shuai from China and France's Kristina Mladenovic triumphed over the fifth-seeded duo of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Chan Hao-ching with a score of 7-6, 6-2, securing their place in the women's doubles quarterfinals. This achievement marks Zhang's tenth career entry into the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam doubles event, illustrating her determination and experience as she competes, particularly in doubles where she excels.

At 35 years old, Zhang is at a point in her career where she has exited the singles competition, yet she has proven to be a formidable player in doubles due to her ability to adapt and connect with her partners quickly. Liu Yu, a sports commentator, highlighted her consistent success in forming effective partnerships, whether in women’s or mixed doubles, attributing it to her strong communication and coordination on the court.

Zhang reflected on a challenging moment during their match where she fell behind 0-4 in the first set, drawing parallel inspiration from table tennis star Fan Zhendong, who has a history of comebacks. After remembering Fan's resilience during a key match, Zhang managed to rally and push through, demonstrating her fighting spirit and mental fortitude.

The unseeded pair of Zhang and Mladenovic had previously shown their competitive edge at the US Open in 2024, where they made it to the finals after overcoming the reigning Wimbledon champions. In another mixed doubles event, Zhang and her partner Rohan Bopanna advanced to the quarterfinals following a walkover against the fourth seed pair, reaffirming her strong performance in doubles.

In contrast, the Chinese team of Zheng Saisai and Wang Xinyu faced a gripping struggle in the women’s doubles, ultimately losing to Kamilla Rakhimova and Sara Sorribes Tormo in a tightly contested match that lasted nearly three hours. Despite exhibiting excellent synergy and skills, particularly at the net where Zheng displayed aggression and Wang showcased precise control, crucial errors at pivotal moments led to their defeat.

Earlier in the tournament, Zhang Zhizhen concluded his journey at the Australian Open after a third-round loss alongside partner Tomas Machac against the 15th seed duo. He shared that managing participation across three events was less exhausting than expected, managing his schedule effectively to avoid playing multiple matches in one day. However, despite his efforts, he faced early exits in singles and subsequent rounds of mixed doubles.