China’s Zhang Shuai and France’s Kristina Mladenovic have stormed into the women’s doubles round of 16 at the Australian Open after a commanding straight-sets victory on Saturday. The dynamic duo defeated the American-Brazilian team of Peyton Stearns and Luisa Stefani 6-2, 6-2 in Melbourne.
Zhang and Mladenovic showcased exceptional teamwork, converting all four of their break point opportunities and saving all seven break points against them. The match began with an epic 18-minute game on Zhang’s serve, reaching deuce ten times before they clinched it with back-to-back winners.
After the marathon opening, the pair settled into a rhythm, taking the first set in just over half an hour. Mladenovic sealed the set with a powerful backhand down the line off Stefani’s second serve.
In the second set, they continued their dominance by breaking Stefani’s serve early to lead 3-1. Leading 4-2, another long game ensued on Mladenovic’s serve with five deuces, ending with Zhang’s decisive volley winner.
The match concluded in style as Mladenovic set up match point with a deft volley, and Zhang sealed the victory with a forehand winner between their opponents. The pair tallied 20 winners throughout the match, outnumbering Stearns and Stefani’s eight.
Zhang and Mladenovic will now look ahead to their next challenge in their quest for the Australian Open title.
Reference(s):
Zhang & Mladenovic reach last 16 in women's doubles at Australian Open
cgtn.com
