Zhang Shuai advances at WTA National Bank Open as Ostapenko retires injured
CGTN
1785915878000

China's Zhang Shuai hits a return to Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko during a WTA National Bank Open tennis match in Toronto, August 4, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

China's Zhang Shuai continued her impressive form at the WTA National Bank Open in Toronto, delivering a commanding performance that included winning ten consecutive games in her matchup against Latvia's 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko who eventually had to retire due to injury.

After finally ending a seven-match losing streak against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in the first round, the veteran dominated the early proceedings, bageling the first set 6-0 as Ostapenko's forehand misfired. The 37-year-old, who earlier this year added her third women's doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, swiftly surged to a 3-0 lead in the second set.

However, Ostapenko called for a medical time-out during the changeover, illustrating her struggles on the court. Ultimately, she opted to retire in the fifth game, paving the way for Zhang to advance.

Zhang will now have to make all her experience count as she prepares for a tough matchup against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 32.