"Still very far from Rafael Nadal" - Zhang Shuai rejects comparison with 'favorite' player after China Open 2024 4R win
Zhang Shuai has spoken about her liking of Rafael Nadal in the past. Hence, it was understandable that she brought him up again after registering another win in her already-stellar run at the 2024 China Open.
The Chinese player had earlier in the week been asked about her uncanny ability to play well at her home event, where she had two quarterfinal appearances before 2024. In response, she had likened her performances at the China Open to her favorite player Nadal’s affinity to the French Open.
During the post-match press conference after her fourth-round win over 23rd seed Magdalena Frech, however, Zhang was quick to dismiss this comparison, saying that she was “very far” from what the Spaniard has been able to achieve in his career.
"Hmm... I mean, I can't compare with my favorite player, I mean, just because the surface," Zhang Shuai said. "I mean, on this surface I play so comfortable, I mean, like Rafa on French Open, Chatrier, the court. Still very far away from Rafa to me."
Zhang said that she has also grown to like playing on the China Open centre court given her experience competing in the tournament.
"But, I mean, I'm really special for the China Open because I think I'm the one play the China Open almost every year," Zhang Shuai said. "I think I am the mostly number one player playing like 15 times, even maybe more."
"So I know this court. I know everything better than anyone. Yeah, I know how to play on this court. I know how to win on this court," she added.
Zhang Shuai on have banked on their favorite tournaments in times of trouble
Zhang Shuai's last quarterfinal appearance at the China Open came in 2018. She was asked if reaching the last eight this time around was more special to her compared to back then.
The Chinese responded by saying that it was indeed very special for her since she entered this year's tournament at the back of a 24-match losing streak.
"Oh, yeah, for sure. Yeah, because this time when I coming to Beijing, I have a lot pressure and nervous because I already got 24 match lost," the World No. 595 said.
After her 6-4, 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech, Zhang will next take on Paula Badosa for a spot in the China Open semifinal. The Spaniard beat US Open finalist Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-0 to book her place in the last eight of the WTA 1000 event.