From 2023 to 2025, Gao Xinyu consistently suffered defeats whenever she faced Indian players.

When it comes to Chinese player Gao Xinyu, many tennis fans are quite familiar with her. Earlier this year, after Zheng Qinwen withdrew, Gao bravely took on the responsibility and defeated German veteran Sigmund and Brazilian player Maia in the United Cup, playing a crucial role in helping China reach the quarterfinals. Notably, this marked Gao’s first career victory over a top 20 player.

However, despite being a Chinese player with respectable achievements, including wins in Grand Slam qualifiers and tour-level events, Gao has not managed to gain an advantage against Indian players since 2023. So, what exactly is going on? Let this article take you through the story.

In January 2023, at the Nonthaburi Challenger, Gao faced the tournament’s seventh seed, Indian player Raina, in the first round. The two had previously met at the 2022 Nottingham Hope event, where Gao initially took the first set 6-3 but was then overturned by Raina, who won two consecutive sets. In this rematch, Gao again claimed the first set 6-3. However, Raina fought back, leveling the match by winning the tiebreak in the second set and then clinching the final set 6-4 to secure the victory.

More than two months later, at the Jakarta Hope tournament, Gao defeated Croatian player Set and compatriot Ma Yexin consecutively to reach the quarterfinals. Her opponent there was once again Indian player Raina. Having lost twice before, Gao was cautious but managed to take the first set 6-3, gaining an early advantage.

In the following sets, Raina responded with a 6-3 win in the second set, forcing a deciding set. The final set was fiercely contested, and at a critical moment when the score was close, Raina broke Gao’s serve. She then maintained her lead without giving Gao any further chances, ultimately winning the match. Objectively speaking, Gao lacked a bit of luck in these three matches from 2022 to 2023, all of which she lost after initially leading by a set.

Last season, fresh off a five-match winning streak and winning the Shenzhen Challenger title, Gao entered the second Shenzhen Challenger as the fifth seed. In the first round, she faced Indian player R Bhosale. Gao won the first set 6-3, and many fans expected a straightforward victory. However, Bhosale launched a fierce comeback, winning the next two sets to upset Gao.

Recently, Gao, seeded fifth, competed in the Jingshan Challenger. In the opening round, she faced Indian qualifier Bhatia. Bhatia took the first set 6-4, marking the first time since 2023 that Gao fell behind an Indian opponent in a match. Gao managed to extend the match by winning the second set, but in the final set, she only secured three games.

Once again a three-set battle ended in defeat. From 2023 to 2025, across three full seasons, Gao has lost four times to Indian players. Each of these matches went to the deciding set, but she has yet to emerge victorious in any. That’s the tennis story for today; more to come tomorrow.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Yixin Jushi)