Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai electrified the Diamond Court crowd in Beijing on Wednesday, battling back from a set down to defeat Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the China Open.

Zakharova has enjoyed a breakthrough season, reaching the second round at both Wimbledon and the US Open, while also advancing to her maiden Tour-level semifinal in Cleveland. The 23-year-old capitalized on her momentum early, claiming the opening set 6-3 with aggressive play.

But home hope Zhang, a three-time Beijing quarterfinalist playing in her 15th China Open, dominated the second set 6-1 to force a decider.

Last year's edition of this tournament saw Zhang memorably snap a 24-match losing streak, before bowing out in the quarterfinals. And the former World No. 22 once again made the most of her home advantage, sending Zakharova packing after closing out the contest 6-4.

With compatriots Zhang Ruien and Shi Han eliminated earlier, Zhang was the host nation's sole winner on the first day of action. She will face 31st seed Wang Xinyu in an all-Chinese second-round clash.

"After playing tennis for over thirty years, I have strong confidence in all aspects of my technical skills," Zhang said after the match. "A single set of the match doesn't signify much. Even if I lose this match, I can identify my own problems through the defeat and learn from my opponent's strengths. I believe this is a crucial factor in maintaining a positive mindset."

Reflecting on her many appearances in the capital, the 36-year-old added, "Today, I feel just like I did when I played my first China Open main draw match in 2009. I still perceive myself as the 20-year-old me. So I firmly believe that as long as people refuse to succumb to the concept of aging mentally, age is merely a number. On the court, I will always be the young version of myself."