‘What hurts me makes me stronger,’ says Chinese tennis player Zhang Shuai

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At this year’s Wuhan Open, China’s tennis player Zhang Shuai lost to a familiar rival, Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, 4-6, 6-3, 4-6 to exit in the second round. About three weeks ago, Zhang also lost to the then world number one in the third round of the US Open.

Zhang was very close to reaching the fourth round of the Grand Slam for the first time after winning the opening set 6-3 and holding match point in the second, but Pliskova was able to make a comeback.

Zhang Shuai in action against Karolina Pliskova during the third round at the US Open. /VCG Photo

"After the game, it still felt so painful when thinking about losing the match point. But I played really well. That was the first time I played in center court. I was so excited, which made me perform well."

Zhang made her breakthrough in Grand Slams at the 2016 Australian Open when she beat world number two Simona Halep in the first round to record her first ever win in the main draw of a major in her 14th attempt.

The 28-year-old then continued her fairy-tale run by making it to the quarter-finals. Zhang followed that by reaching the second round of the French Open and the third round of the US Open.

Zhang refused to put on the silver medal at the 2017 National Games. / VCG Photo

Last week, the Tianjin native claimed her second WTA title by winning the Guangzhou Open, where she won her maiden crown in 2013.

Zhang also faced some adversity at the 13th National Games held from Aug. 27 to Sept. 8 in north China's Tiajin. In the singles final against local player Wang Qiang, Zhang was angered by the chair umpire overruling a line judge at a crucial point towards the end of the match.

Zhang went on to lose, and could not contain her emotions on the podium where she refused to wear the silver medal. But Zhang was able to turn the incident into extra motivation in her next events.

"Sometimes things that make you sad make you strong, that’s why after the National Games I played so well. When I was on court, I felt my heart and my mental (state) stronger. After the National Games, I was still angry. But when I was angry, I played so well. Sometimes you have to believe anything (can happen)," she added.