Zhang Shuai (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai hopes to continue her breakthrough performance at the 2016 Australian open when she faces American Madison Keys in the fourth round of the first Grand Slam event of the year.
Zhang, who started her Australian Open bid with an upset over world No. 2 Simona Halep, remain in contention for the women's title after breezing past United States' Varvara Lepchenko 6-1 6-3.
The 27-year-old Chinese, who has extended her winning streak to six games stemming from the qualifying round of the Australian Open, had lost all 14 of her previous grand slam matches. But this year, the unseeded Zhang suddenly has a knack of winning matches in the big stage.
Prior to facing the veteran American, Zhang admitted she felt nervous and thought of it as her last match in Melbourne. But after another easy win, Zhang feels confident against facing Keys, who has also offered the Chinese support amid her dream run at the tournament.
"No more nervous (feelings) for me ... I'm enjoying the tournament," Zhang said, reports SBS. "Every time many people watch me play, I play really well."
Keys, who admitted she is fond of Zhang's dream run, ties the Chinese in their head-to-head stats, according to Wettpoint. Keys eliminated Ana Ivanovic 4-6 6-4 6-4 in a match that was suspended for more than an hour after the Serb's coach Nigel Sears collapsed in the stands.
There was no post-match conference for both players, but Keys said in a statement how tough the match went against Ivanovic.
"Obviously it was a tough match." Keys, in her statement, said, reports USA Today. "I think I just... [tried] to get one more ball, one more ball in and not give it to her."
The winner between Zhang and Keys will have the chance for a quarterfinal match against Russia's Ekaterina Makarova or Great Britain's Johanna Konta, who defeated Chinese qualifier Zheng Saisai in the second round of the tournament.
