China’s Zhang Shuai, ranked 595th in the world, has made an extraordinary comeback after enduring tennis’ longest losing streak in 52 years. Zhang, 35, broke her streak of 24 consecutive losses by defeating McCartney Kessler at her home tournament, the China Open. She then stunned US Open semi-finalist Emma Navarro, ranked eighth in the world, to reach the third round, marking the biggest upset in the tournament’s history for a player of her ranking.

Zhang’s remarkable performance makes her the lowest-ranked player to ever defeat a top-10 opponent at the China Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 event. Her victory over Navarro, 6-4, 6-2, not only ended her losing run but also elevated her comeback story as she looks to build momentum. Next, she will face either 28th-seeded Anastasia Potapova or Belgium’s Greet Minnen.

Zhang, a two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist, had not won a match since January 2023 and struggled with injuries that led to a six-month break. Her return to the court earlier this year in Dubai was just the beginning of her journey back to form. Zhang’s persistence and resilience continue to inspire, as she makes up for lost time with one of the most impressive comebacks in recent tennis history.