Cool Zhang eyes first title outside China

CHINESE veteran Shuai Zhang showcased all her experience against younger opponent Veronika Kudermetova to sail into the Hobart International final.

Zhang reached her first WTA singles final since winning in her home country at Guangzhou for the second time in 2017 with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-4 victory in a little over an hour yesterday afternoon.

In icy conditions with a tricky breeze the 30-year-old was far too consistent for the fifth seed, who received a walkover into the semifinals when Garbine Muguruza withdrew with a viral illness.

Serving at nearly 80 per cent for the match, Zhang was a picture of concentration as her Russian opponent imploded with a raft of unforced errors every time she attempted to take control.

A single break in each set was all the 2019 Australian Open doubles champion required to reach a final outside China for the first time in her career.

“So exciting, I really like this tournament, it is a really nice setting, and that’s why I always come to this tournament,” said Zhang, who has progressed past the second round for the first time in seven visits.

“Last few years I have lost really early so I am really happy this year I have improved to make it to the singles and doubles final.

“Veronika is a really great player, she plays really fast and heavy, the ball is really high quality. I always tried to play deep, and focus on my serve and tried to make as many returns because she has a great serve.”

After contemplating retirement at the end of 2015 when she finished ranked No.186 in the world, Zhang has finished inside the top 50 in four consecutive seasons.

This includes a barnstorming run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2016 and another quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon last year, as well as her doubles title with Sam Stosur 12 months ago.

“I try to improve every day and last year was really special because I played singles and doubles. It does make it really hard on my body, but also the doubles is also helping me a lot for volleys and coming to the net and finishing the point.”