Zhang, Mertens race to victory in Shenzhen season opener
CGTN
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Zhang Shuai of China in action during the match against Magda Linette of Poland on Day 1 of 2020 WTA Shenzhen Open at Shenzhen Longgang Sports Center in Shenzhen, south China, January 5, 2020. (Photos: CGTN)

On Sunday, in the WTA Shenzhen Open, home favorite Zhang Shuai looked in complete control as she dismissed Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2, extending her dominant record against the Pole to five wins in as many matches.

Zhang's victory on Center Court came only hours after 18-year-old wildcard Wang Xiyu rallied from a set down to oust Romanian Sorana Cirstea 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.

Wang will next face Belgium's Elise Mertens for a place in the quarter-finals.

Elise Mertens of Belgium in action during the match against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine on Day 1 of 2020 WTA Shenzhen Open at Shenzhen Longgang Sports Center in Shenzhen, south China, January 5, 2020.

Mertens made a winning start to 2020 as she eased past Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round of the Shenzhen Open on Sunday.

Tsurenko, who was playing her first tournament in nearly six months after recovering from an elbow injury, broke her opponent's serve in the opening game before Mertens responded in style.

No. 3 seed Mertens reeled off four consecutive games and held on to the advantage to seal the opening set.

A rare lapse in concentration cost Mertens two break-point opportunities to open up a 5-1 lead in the second set but her solid service rhythm guided her to a comfortable win in just over 90 minutes.

China's Wang Yafan also staged a comeback win over Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo, winning the 2nd and 3rd round 6-1, 6-3 after losing the first one 1-6.

All three Chinese players in singles action of yesterday's matches broke into the next round .

In the only doubles' match yesterday, No.3 seed Duan Yingying/Zheng Saisai from China defeated Tatjana Maria/Stefanie Voegele from Germany and Switzerland 3-6, 6-3, 10-7.

Garbine Muguruza of Spain attends the training session during the 2020 WTA Shenzhen Open at Shenzhen Longgang Sports Center in Shenzhen, south China,  January 5, 2020.

Today will witness former world No. 1, Garbine Muguruza from Spain, making her debut at Shenzhen, as well as the performance of defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus .

Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam doubles' title together with Mertens in the 2019 U.S. Open.