Zhang Shuai has decisively claimed the Nottingham W50 championship, marking her second title of the season and aiding her return to the world's top 100.

On July 19, Beijing time, Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai demonstrated incredible control at the ITF Nottingham W50 tournament, not losing a single set from the first round to the final, and only conceding 17 games in five matches. Ultimately, she triumphed over Chen Xia Lini in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-2, securing her second singles championship of the season. This victory marks her 23rd ITF singles title in her career (including 6 W100K, 3 W50K, and 1 W75K), and with the 50 points earned, her current world ranking rises to 111, just one step away from re-entering the top 100.

Zhang Shuai's performance in this tournament can be described as a "decisive blow": she swept British player Daley 6-1, 6-1 in the first round, obliterated Dutch player Weckerle 6-1, 6-0 in the second round, defeated Rajetski 6-1, 6-3 in the quarter-finals, and although she faced a slight challenge in the first set against Waldmanova in the semi-finals, she advanced by winning 6-4, 6-0. In the final, facing the recently strong Chen Xia Lini, Zhang Shuai secured victory in straight sets, demonstrating superior baseline consistency and ability to capitalize on crucial points, never giving her opponent a chance to turn the match around.

This season, despite facing tough opponents on the WTA tour at 36 years old, Zhang Shuai has maintained her top-level competitiveness on the ITF circuit. Having just won at the W100 Gifu station at the end of April, her latest title further confirms her improving form. After winning in Nottingham, her current world ranking has risen to 111, narrowing the gap to the 100th position to about 30 points. If she continues this momentum, Zhang Shuai is likely to return to the top 100 before the US Open season, laying a solid foundation for her quest for a spot in the Grand Slam main draw.

Zhang Shuai's 23 ITF singles titles span multiple levels, including 6 at the highest W100 events, ranking her among the best among Chinese players. Despite already holding a Grand Slam doubles title and reaching the singles quarter-finals, she continues to adjust her form and build confidence through lower-tier tournaments, a professional attitude that is truly admirable.

Looking ahead, Zhang Shuai's next goal is clearly to break into the world's top 100 and achieve breakthroughs in WTA 250 and higher events. With the North American hard court season approaching, her experience and baseline power may become key weapons. Chinese fans also hope that this veteran can continue her "reverse growth" story, writing more legends on the professional tennis stage.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei )