Zhang Shuai sets a record with her victory and aims for a 2026 Grand Slam title, while Sinner hopes to compete against Federer.

Following Zhang Shuai’s triumph at the Adelaide 500, many expressed that they lacked more fitting words to commend this nearly 37-year-old Chinese veteran, their hearts filled with emotion.

Since Zhang Shuai and Siniakova teamed up to reach the doubles final in Adelaide, almost everyone believed that their opponents, Kichenok and Kravchuk, didn’t even need to consider winning; they just had to prepare mentally to witness Zhang’s pair claim the title.

In terms of records, Zhang Shuai and Siniakova outclassed their opponents by a wide margin; in big-match experience, they were far ahead; and in strength, they were visibly superior. Naturally, Kichenok and Kravchuk were not favored against such a duo.

The fact was clear: after Zhang and Siniakova dominated the first set with ease, the outcome of the match was practically decided in advance.

Although Kichenok and Kravchuk fought fiercely in the second set and appeared capable of challenging Zhang and Siniakova, fans and netizens felt their persistence mainly allowed everyone to enjoy the match a little longer, but it couldn’t change the eventual defeat.

Especially when Zhang and Siniakova reached 5-4, the decisive moment of the match, their aggressive play in the opponents’ desperate service game showed they were eager to finish. Ultimately, Siniakova sealed the break with a beautiful winner, closing the second set at 6-4 and ending the contest comfortably.

Winning the first title of 2026 in just the second week of the new season, Zhang Shuai said in a post-match interview that this victory greatly boosted both her and Siniakova’s confidence and set a new goal for 2026: to win a Grand Slam doubles championship.

Although Zhang Shuai is already 36 and approaching her 37th birthday, the public did not seriously doubt this goal because she truly has the ability. Moreover, her current performance shows age hasn’t affected her form, making people believe she has a strong chance to achieve it.

Additionally, by capturing the doubles title at the Adelaide 500, Zhang Shuai set an impressive personal record: maintaining the streak of winning at least one doubles title every year since 2021. Doing so consistently after turning 30 makes her stand out as China’s top female tennis star.

In 2021, Zhang won three titles, partnering with Stosur to claim the Cincinnati and US Open championships, and with Mirza to win the Strava 500 event.

Following her breakthrough in doubles in 2021, Zhang Shuai has continued to secure titles every year without fail.

In 2022, she teamed with Maya to win the Nottingham 250 tournament; in 2023, partnered with Stephanie to win the Abu Dhabi 500; in 2024, with Siniakova to capture the Guangzhou 250 title; and in 2025, alongside Townsend, lifted the Washington 500 trophy.

Zhang Shuai’s goals for the new season are highly anticipated, and Sinner’s dreams are equally exciting. Although his target seems easier to reach, the initiative is not entirely in the Italian’s hands.

“I really want to play at least one official match against him, just to experience what it feels like to face him,” Federer said upon arriving in Melbourne. His social media was flooded with clips of the Swiss legend, and even his practice sessions with Ruud attracted huge attention. Sinner expressed that although he hasn’t yet seen Federer in person, he is eager to have a real match against him.

Sinner’s reasoning is that Federer’s style resembles Dimitrov’s. Last year at Wimbledon, when he faced the Bulgarian, he found himself on the back foot. Having experienced playing against Dimitrov, he naturally wants to feel what it’s like to compete against Federer firsthand.

After Sinner’s comments were reported by the media, some immediately called on the ATP to arrange an official match between the two, fulfilling the Italian’s wish. They also stressed that it would be a win-win business opportunity—profitable and a favor to fans—so why not make it happen?

Some netizens joked that if Federer and Sinner really played a match, it would be a huge sensation, with ticket prices soaring sky-high. Everyone hopes to witness this spectacle and is eagerly looking forward to it!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit River Starry Sky)