Tenacious Zhang advances in mixed doubles after singles loss
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E-mail Xinhua, September 5, 2022
Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai extended her US Open run by reaching the mixed doubles quarterfinals just hours after bowing out in the singles third round on Sunday.
33-year-old Zhang teamed up with Croatia's Mate Pavic to beat American pair Madison Keys and Bjorn Fratangelo 6-4, 6-2.
The second seeds got off to a four-game winning run before Keys and Fratangelo held their service and broke back in the sixth game. However, Zhang and Pavic regained their momentum and sealed the set in 31 minutes.
The second set was easier for Zhang and Pavic, who broke their rivals in the opening game and the seventh game before they served for the victory.
They will meet Japan's Ena Shibahara and Franko Skugor of Croatia in the quarterfinals.
Hours earlier, Zhang was edged out by American 12th seed Coco Gauff 7-5, 7-5, missing a spot in the women's singles quarterfinals.
Two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Zhang broke first in the second game, but 18-year-old Gauff returned two breaks soon to take a 4-3 lead in the first set.
Although Zhang filled the gap in the eighth game, the world No. 12 took two games in a row after 5-5 to win the opening set 7-5.
The duo seesawed in the second set with Zhang breaking first again. But this year's French Open finalist Gauff performed phenomenally with speed and strength, winning 7-5 again for the eventual victory.
Gauff will fight for a semifinal berth against France's Caroline Garcia.
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