2nd seed Zhang Shuai takes on world No. 80 Madison Brengle in the round of 32 of the 2023 Lyon Open on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old had a disappointing start to the season as she lost in the first round of the Adelaide International 1. Things went from bad to worse at the Adelaide International 2 as she lost in the first round of qualifying against Ana Bogdan.
Shuai performed well in the Australian Open. Seeded 23rd in the tournament, she made it to the fourth round where she lost to Karolina Pliskova in a one-sided affair. Shuai has played doubles events as well. Her best result came in the Adelaide International 1 where she made it to the quarterfinals alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Like Shuai, Brengle also began the new season with a loss. She went down fighting against LinZhu in the first round of the ASB Classic. In the Hobart International, Brengle lost to compatriot and 6th seed Bernarda Pera in the first round.
The 32-year-old crashed out in the first round of the Australian Open. She lost to compatriot Claire Liu in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. Brengle is still searching for her first win in 2023. It will not be easy to get past Shuai.
The two veterans will be facing each other for the first time. Therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0 as we wait to see who strikes first.
Prediction: Zhang Shuai to win in three sets.
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