WTA Merida Tournament: Zhang Shuai Sweeps Lepchenko in 67 Minutes, Set to Face Defending Champion Navarro

In the opening round of the WTA500 Merida singles, Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai quickly dispatched American veteran Lepchenko, also a qualifier, 6-2, 6-1 in 67 minutes, securing her place in the next round. As experienced players on the tour, they have met several times before, starting in 2014, with Zhang leading their overall clashes 4-2.

Zhang Shuai

During the match, Zhang was broken in the third game of the first set but soon found her rhythm, winning 10 consecutive games. She took the first set 6-2 and established a commanding 5-0 lead in the second set, effectively deciding the match. Zhang’s next opponent will be the defending champion and second seed Navarro, who had a first-round bye. Zhang has won both of their previous meetings (2024 China Open, 2025 Wuhan Open).

Other Match Results

Osorio defeated Zeng Limi [6] 6-4, 6-3

[7] Bouchard beat Watson [Q] 6-3, 6-1

[8] Rinnet won against T. Maria 7-6(3), 6-3

Buksha triumphed over Vikic 6-3, 6-2

Sermiez blanked Blas [Q] 6-2, 6-0

Frei edged Timofeeva 6-4, 7-6(6)

(Text and Editing: Dato, Photos: Li Jianyi)