China's Zhang Shuai, Wang Qiang advance at Australian Open

Zhang Shuai from China in women's singles match against Catherine McNally from the U.S. at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2020.

Chinese players Zhuang Shuai and Wang Qiang have defeated their opponents in Round 2 of the Australian Open, making it to the Round of 32.

Having knocked out former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in her first match, Zhang took on 18-year-old American genius Catherine McNally who beat Zhang's champion partner Samantha Stosur in the first round. Zhang and McNally had not met before.

In the first game, both managed to hold their own serves in the first five sets. Zhang stroke the first blow by breaking McNally's third serve to lead 4-2 and then pressed on to take the following two sets to claim victory in Game 1.

Catherine McNally from the U.S. in women's singles match against Zhang Shuai from China at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2020.

McNally tried to imitate Zhang's play in the second game as she achieved the first break to lead 4-2 after six sets. However, Zhang did not panic and patiently reversed the situation while breaking McNally's serve to regain the lead 5-4. The competition in the next set turned white-hot as the two sides reached deuce. In the end, Zhang took two straight points and won the match 2-0.

Zhang will meet 14th seed Sofia Kenin in the Round of 32.

Wang Qiang from China in women's singles match against Fiona Ferro from France at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2020.

Wang, the 27th seed at the tournament, met Fiona Ferro from France, whom she beat at the Australian Open last year. Wang gained the upper hand from the beginning as she only allowed 15 points in her first two serves and broke two of Ferro's serves. The Chinese ace took the first game 6-1 in no time.

Ferro did not put up much resistance in Game 2 as Wang again achieved two breaks to lead 4-1. Though the two exchanged breaks later, Wang did not leave her opponent much chance to win the last set.

Wang will fact American Serena Williams for a spot in the Round of 16.

Zheng Saisai from China in women's singles match against Naomi Osaka from Japan at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2020.

Zhu Lin from China in women's singles match against Alison Riske from the U.S. at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2020.

Two other Chinese, Zheng Saisai and Zhu Lin failed to further advance, with their compatriots. Zheng lost to 3rd seed Naomi Osaka from Japan while Zhu was beaten by 18th seeded Alison Riske from the U.S.