The 2025 Wuhan Open witnessed thrilling comebacks at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center on Oct 7 as Chinese tennis veteran Zhang Shuai advanced to the second round of the women's singles. The 36-year-old player snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd.

Zhang Shuai snatches victory. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

In the afternoon match, Zhang swiftly claimed the first set 6-2 against her formidable opponent, American star Emma Navarro. However, Zhang's momentum faltered in the second set, allowing Navarro to dominate and win 6-2, with Zhang managing only two points in the last four games of the set.

The decisive set saw Navarro take an early 3-0 lead, putting Zhang on the brink of elimination. Yet, Zhang staged an incredible comeback, holding serve in the fourth game and leveling the score at 3-3. She continued her remarkable performance, winning six consecutive games and clinching the set 6-3. This victory marks Zhang's second singles win at the Wuhan Open after seven years.

Osaka Naomi advances to the second round. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Earlier in the day, Japanese prodigy Osaka Naomi also pulled off a comeback, defeating former US Open finalist Leylah Annie Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, and 6-3 to advance to the second round.

In the evening session, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek made a strong debut, defeating Czech player Marie Bouzkova 6-1 and 6-1. Świątek will face the winner of the match between Belinda Bencic and Elise Mertens in the next round.

As of Oct 8, Chinese players Yuan Yue and Zhang Shuai had advanced to the second round, during which Yuan faced the seventh-seeded player Jasmine Paolini, while Zhang competed against Romanian Sorana Cirstea.                                                                                                                                                 

Iga Świątek takes selfies with fans. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]