Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai starts grass-court season with qualifying win

LONDON -- China's two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Zhang Shuai started her grass-court season with a win in the HSBC Championships qualifiers here on Saturday.

It marks the first time in over 50 years that the women's tournament is held at the Queen's Club. Zhang prevailed 6-3, 6-2 over British wild card player Brooke Black in the qualifying first round.

"I was surprised that I could perform quite well today," said 36-year-old Zhang, who only practiced two hours on the grass on Friday. "I think it's the shortest preparation I have ever made in my career while facing the change of the surface."

"I have never thought I could be ready, but I'm glad I didn't feel awkward at all during the match," added the veteran, who just ended her clay season with a semifinal finish in the mixed doubles event at the French Open on Wednesday.

Zhang admitted the tight schedule was mainly because her singles ranking was not high enough to secure a main draw berth in many tournaments, but she still wanted to give it a try rather than focus on the doubles.

Zhang will need another win to qualify for the main draw at the HSBC Championships.

"I'm proud of myself as I'm fighting my way back. One year ago, I was out of Top 600 in the world rankings and suffering a horrible losing streak in the singles event," said Zhang, currently ranked 134th.

"To be honest, I was thinking maybe I should give up the singles or even retire at that time, but I'm glad that I keep going on the toughest path."

Chinese star Zheng Qinwen enters as the top seed with a No 7 world ranking. The 22-year-old Olympic champion has received a first-round bye and will play against either Britain's Francesca Jones or McCartney Kessler of the United States in the second round.