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.
Read also
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.
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
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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