Zhang Shuai living a dream at Australian Open in Melbourne

Omnisports

January 19, 2016 11:27 AM

Zhang Shuai's remarkable Australian Open exploits are a dream come true but the unheralded Chinese qualifier has unfinished business in Melbourne.

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Zhang Shuai's remarkable Australian Open exploits are "a dream come true", but the unheralded Chinese qualifier has unfinished business in Melbourne.

Ranked 133rd on the WTA Tour, Zhang arrived at Melbourne Park this week without a grand slam win in 14 previous appearances.

But after seriously considering retirement having failed to make the US Open main draw last year, Zhang is now preparing for the third round of the Australian Open following shock wins over second seed Simona Halep and Alize Cornet.

Speaking after Thursday's 6-3 6-3 victory against Cornet, Zhang beamed: "It's like a dream come true, but I'm looking forward to the next match.

"I don't want stop right now. I want to keep winning."

Of her woeful winless record at major tournaments prior to this year's Australian Open, the 26-year-old added: "I try to be positive. In my life, I don't want negativity. I want everything positive. I don't want to always think bad things.

"Maybe I lost 14 times first round. Maybe because 14 times gave me a lot more energy to work hard. I want to thank the 14 times."

Zhang will play Varvara Lepchenko for a fourth-round berth.

Omnisports