Zhang's historic losing streak: Breaking records for all the wrong reasons

Shuai Zhang (No. 689) holds the record for the most consecutive losses in WTA Tour history. The 35-year-old Chinese player has just suffered her 22nd consecutive defeat, an unprecedented record on the Tour.

Zhang received a wildcard entry to the Cincinnati Open and faced a tough draw against World No. 20 Diana Shnaider, who is in impeccable form with 18 wins in her last 21 matches. Zhang could do little against the Russian, who comfortably claimed victory 6-1, 6-4.

Zhang endures historic 22-match losing Streak

Zhang’s unfortunate record makes her the player with the longest losing streak in the Open Era, considering both the ATP and WTA Tours. The Chinese player had some good years on the Tour, winning three WTA 250 titles and finishing as a finalist in three others. Her last title was at the 2022 Lyon Open, and later that year, she was runner-up at the Birmingham Open.

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The Chinese player began her career in 2013 at just 14 years old and became a regular player in major tournaments throughout the year. Her highest ranking was World No. 22, and she reached the quarterfinals at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

However, this time she is making headlines due to an incredible losing streak. The 35-year-old veteran has competed in six WTA-level tournaments in 2024, losing in all of them, and winning only 2 of the 14 sets she played. If we look back to 2023, the adverse record includes another 16 consecutive losses.

Back in January 2023, Zhang (World No. 23 at the time) started with a successful debut at the Lyon Open by defeating Madison Brengle (No. 31), which was her last win on the Tour. In the second round, she lost to No. 93 Maryna Zanevska in straight sets, beginning a 16-match losing streak throughout the year, which, combined with 2024, totals 22 consecutive defeats.

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Zhang Shuai’s 22 straight defeats

2023 Lyon Open Round 2: 6-2, 6-0 to Maryna Zanevska

2023 Abu Dhabi Open: 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 to Anett Kontaveit

2023 Qatar Open: 7-5, 6-2 to Petra Kvitova

2023 Dubai Tennis Championships: 6-3, 6-1 to Zheng Qinwen

2023 Indian Wells: 3-0 ret. to Rebecca Peterson

2023 Charleston Open: 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to Julia Grabher

2023 Strasbourg Open: 6-0, 6-0 to Anna-Lena Friedsam

2023 French Open: 6-1, 6-1 Magdalena Frech

2023 Nottingham Open: 6-1, 6-4 to Tatjana Maria

2023 Birmingham Classic: 6-4, 6-3 to Emina Bektas

2023 Eastbourne International: 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1 to Harriet Dart

2023 Wimbledon: 6-2, 6-3 to Donna Vekic

2023 Hungarian Open: 6-5 ret. to Amarissa Toth

2023 Warsaw Open: 7-6(3), 6-4 to Tereza Martincova

2023 Prague Open: 6-2, 6-2 to Yuan Yue

2023 Canadian Open: 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to Anna Blinkova

2024 Dubai Tennis Championships: 6-3, 7-5 to Karolina Pliskova

2024 Indian Wells: 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 to Mai Hontama

2024 Miami Open: 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to Daria Saville

2024 Madrid Open: 6-3, 6-2 to Shelby Rogers

2024 Wimbledon: 6-3, 6-0 to Daria Kasatkina

2024 Cincinnati Open: 6-1, 6-4 to Diana Shnaider