Zhang Shuai (Image Credit: WTA - Twitter)
2nd seed Zhang Shuai faces British youngster Harriet Dart in the round of 32 of the 2023 ATX Open on Tuesday.
The Chinese veteran has not had a great start to the season in singles events. She has lost 7 matches and won just 4 matches in 7 tournaments.
Her most recent campaign was the Dubai Tennis Championships where she lost to Qinwen Zheng in straight sets in the first round. Shuai comes into the tournament on a three-match losing streak. Her last win came in January in the Lyon Open where she defeated Madison Brengle in the first round. Shuai would love to get her season on the right track and a deep run in the ATX Open would surely help her cause. She will be the favorite against Dart but she shouldn’t be complacent, especially with the indifferent form she has been in as of late.
The 26-year-old began the season by playing in the inaugural United Cup. She defeated Madison Inglis and also gave stiff competition to Jessica Pegula before losing in a three-hour thriller. There has not been too much to write home about regarding Dart’s performances this season.
In her most recent campaign in the Dubai Tennis Championships, Dart lost to Rebecca Marino in the first round of qualifying in three sets 6-7, 7-6, 1-6. The talented youngster will be eyeing a decent campaign in the ATX Open but she will have to play well against an experienced Shuai.
The two players have never faced each other in a singles match so far. Therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0.
Prediction: Zhang Shuai to win in straight sets.
More Tennis news
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates