Losing a match with a 15-year age gap, the Chinese female players were all defeated; Gauff: I really didn’t want to beat Zhang Shuai.

The highly anticipated showdown between Zhang Shuai and Gauff has concluded! With Zhang Shuai’s surprising run coming to an end, it also means the complete elimination of the Chinese female players in this year’s Wuhan Open singles competition.

Zhang Shuai, 36, and Gauff, 21, faced off in a much-discussed match spanning a 15-year age difference. The match drew attention not only because many wondered if Navarro’s law would still apply to Zhang Shuai, but also to see if the veteran Chinese player could at least challenge Gauff enough to make her victory less effortless.

Last year, after Zhang Shuai defeated Navarro in the second round of the China Open, her performance seemed unstoppable as she advanced to the quarterfinals; this year, after a shocking first-round win over the wealthy American, she stunned Kostyuk in the second round to reach the round of 16. Naturally, expectations were high for her third-round challenge against Gauff.

Some favored Zhang Shuai, not only because Navarro seemed to be her lucky charm, but also because Gauff’s form has been inconsistent since winning the French Open. Since Zhang had previously beaten Wang Xinyu, who defeated the American girl, it seemed possible that she could replicate Wang’s remarkable victory over Gauff in Berlin this year.

From the start of the first set, Zhang Shuai unleashed full power, quickly forcing three break points on Gauff’s serve, showing the veteran’s clear intent to topple the young queen.

At that moment, fans and viewers humorously commented in the livestream chat that if Zhang’s initial attacks could stun Gauff, more surprises would surely follow.

Surprisingly, Gauff displayed the strength and resilience befitting a two-time Grand Slam champion at critical moments. After regaining composure, she not only escaped danger but quickly took a 2-0 lead.

Once Gauff’s form and confidence were fully unleashed by Zhang Shuai’s pressure, the outcome of the first set was no longer in doubt, with Zhang conceding it 3-6.

The second set unfolded almost identically to the start of the first!

Judging by Gauff’s dominant play, she clearly learned from her slow start in the first set and immediately took control with a 2-0 lead, putting Zhang Shuai on the defensive.

Just when everyone thought Zhang might lose the match without winning a game or only managing a bagel, the Chinese veteran showed indomitable spirit, winning two consecutive games to level the score and rekindle interest in the match.

Unfortunately, Zhang’s comeback appeared to be a brief flash of brilliance. Instead of continuing to trouble Gauff and keep the score close, she lost all resistance later, turning the match into a showcase for the American. When Gauff closed the match 6-2, Zhang’s defeat confirmed Navarro’s law no longer applied to her, and the last Chinese female player was eliminated from the Wuhan Open singles.

After the match, discussions about the result were unsurprising. Gauff’s strength clearly surpassed Zhang Shuai’s, and since she managed to produce remarkable performances even against Momoka Nishina, it showed the American was in excellent form. It was never easy for Zhang to cause an upset.

In her post-match interview, Zhang admitted that without the crowd’s cheering, she might not have won a single game. This shows that the veteran accepted the defeat to Gauff wholeheartedly.

After beating Zhang Shuai, Gauff also revealed a warm and respectful side, saying, “Zhang played very well. I admire and respect her for maintaining such a high level at her age.”

Additionally, Gauff disclosed another fact: she and Zhang Shuai are good friends.

“Before the match, I really didn’t want to face Zhang because playing against her is tough. She is one of the few players I respect deeply and have a close friendship with. I’m very happy to be friends with Zhang,” said Gauff. Zhang is known for her excellent relationships on the tour, and even someone as demanding as Gauff publicly acknowledging their strong friendship further confirms the rumors and highlights Zhang’s personal charm.

To prove their special connection, Gauff emphasized some lesser-known details: “We often send each other encouraging messages, and our private relationship is very good. When I achieve good results, she always sincerely congratulates me. When I’m down, she comforts and encourages me. She’s like a big sister, caring in every way. Honestly, there’s no sense of competition between us.”

After the friendship between Gauff and Zhang Shuai became public knowledge, people instantly understood why Gauff said after the match, “I really didn’t want to beat Zhang.” Facing such a close friend is indeed difficult. However, Gauff’s ability to separate competition from friendship shows her professionalism. Though sweeping Zhang might seem harsh, it was fair to the spectators. Moreover, the post-match smiles exchanged between them prove that the match was just a match, friendship remains intact, and satisfying the audience is what matters most.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)