Zhang Shuai advances through qualifying to clinch main draw spot at Wimbledon

Zhang Shuai of China defeated Lanlana Tararudee of Thailand in 6-2, 6-2 straight sets on Thursday to secure qualification for the women's singles main draw at Wimbledon, with the third Grand Slam of the season set to open serve in London on Monday.

The 36-year-old Zhang became the sixth Chinese player to earn a spot in the tournament this year – joining compatriots Zheng Qinwen, Wang Xinyu, Yuan Yue, and Zhu Lin in the women's singles event, along with Buyunchaokete in the men's singles bracket – at the All England Club.

Zhang broke Tararudee first in the fifth game of the opening set to grab a 3-2 lead. She then converted another break point in the seventh game, extending her edge to 5-2, before holding to claim the frame and seize a 1-0 overall lead in the match.

The Chinese veteran maintained her excellent form as the second set got underway. She broke her opponent twice in the first five games to lead 4-1. Zhang went on to hold in the eighth game and close things out 6-2 again.

"I can't even remember how many times I've played at Wimbledon, but this is my first time making it through the qualifying stage," Zhang said after the match.

"This means I have now qualified for the main draw at all four Grand Slams, and I'm so happy, because this was a childhood dream of mine. To achieve it again at 36 makes me especially proud of myself. I hope I can enjoy every single day here at Wimbledon, and I wish for everybody to play well," she added.

Zhang is set to make her 48th Grand Slam appearance and 11th at Wimbledon in singles competition. She will be unseeded along with Wang, Yuan, Zhu, and Buyunchaokete. Olympic gold medalist and World No. 5 Zheng is seeded fifth.