China's Zhang Shuai defeats world no. 2 Simona Halep in the first round of the 2016 Australian Open. (Photo : Reuters)
Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai pulled off what is perhaps the biggest upset in the 2016 Australian Open after she defeated world no. 2 Simona Halep of Romania in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Tianjin native, who will turn 27 on Thursday, smashed 31 winners against her highly-ranked opponent, who reportedly was "nursing an Achilles injury and suffering from a cold" during the first round matchup, as per The Guardian.
Zhang, who is currently no. 445 in the world rankings, surely looks to move herself up the charts after the win. During the post-match interview, she claimed that she had contemplated retirement because of her low ranking and poor form.
"Yeah the last few months I'm already (my ranking) 200. So very tough," she said, as per Xinhuanet. "I was feeling very sad, every day. I almost retired."
"But so many people helped me. My coach, my parents... my national team, my sponsor always try to give me more motivation," she added.
Zhang also admitted that she surprised herself by her recent feat, saying that "I didn't think (within) two months that I could win (against) a top-two player".
"It's feeling like dream come true."
This is not the first time she had beaten a high-ranked opponent, though.
During the 2009 China Open, Zhang defeated then world no. 1 Dinara Safina of Russia after coming into the tournament as a wild card qualifier.
Meanwhile, Halep was all praises for his foe even as she was disappointed by her performance.
"I think it wasn't my good day, but I give her (Zhang) a lot of credit because I think she played really well," the 24-year-old Romanian said. "She played without fear and she hit every ball. So she had good rhythm."
"I tried to change, I tried to stay (in the match)... but she beat me - she was just better today. It's tough, I'm really disappointed."
