Carlos Alcaraz, Zhang Shuai Shine at the China Open

Posted : 29 September 2024

Carlos Alcaraz made a swift advance into the quarterfinals of the China Open on Sunday, completing his match against Tallon Griekspoor in a mere 56 minutes with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2. Despite weather-related disruptions in Beijing, the four-time Grand Slam champion showcased his skill under the roof of the Diamond Court, leaving the 39th-ranked Dutchman visibly rattled. After securing his 200th tour-level victory, Alcaraz expressed his determination to continue winning, saying, "I just want to keep going, to keep getting more and more wins."

As the second seed in the tournament, Alcaraz is set to face seventh-seeded Karen Khachanov next, following a strong warning of his intentions after a disappointing early exit at the recent US Open. He acknowledged that his performance in the last couple of tournaments hadn't met his expectations but stated, "Right now I feel ready, I feel good. I feel like my tennis came again." Khachanov earned his spot in the quarterfinals with a closely contested 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (11/9) win over Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina.

The day also brought joy for home fans in the women’s draw, as another Chinese wildcard, Zhang Shuai, continued her remarkable run by reaching the last 16. Having not won a singles match in over 600 days before arriving at this prestigious WTA 1000 event, the 35-year-old veteran has now secured three consecutive victories, including a 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Belgium's Greet Minnen.

Zhang, who made history as the lowest-ranked player to reach the third round at the China Open, will face Poland’s 23rd seed, Magdalena Frech, in her next match.

Meanwhile, US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula fought back from a set down to defeat Russia's Veronika Kudermetova 6-7 (9/11), 6-1, 6-2, setting up a clash with Spain's Paula Badosa. Pegula, the second seed, is aiming for her seventh WTA Tour title, while Badosa advanced with a straight-sets victory over Slovakian qualifier Rebecca Sramkova.

Fourth seed Coco Gauff also moved on after defeating Britain's Katie Boulter 7-5, 6-2. Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed in Beijing, recently claimed her third Grand Slam title by defeating Pegula at the US Open, while world No. 1 Iga Swiatek is absent from the tournament due to personal matters.

Carlos Alcaraz, Zhang Shuai Shine at the China Open

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