Zhang Shuai’s Covid-19 affected WTA season over with Ostrava Open defeat
- Chinese No 2 sees season end with defeat to Karolina Muchova at inaugural Ostrava Open, wants to return home before restart
- Zhang hopes to play in more tournaments in 2021 after coronavirus-disrupted season, starting with Australian Open
Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai is looking forward to returning home and preparing for next season after being knocked out of the Ostrava Open in the first round.
“Next, I will return to China,” Zhang said after a 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Czech Karolina Muchova. “I am looking at the ticket. I hope I can return to China as soon as possible and spend the time before the Australian Open with my friends.”
Zhang reached the third round at this season’s Australian Open back in January before the coronavirus pandemic wrought havoc on the sporting calendar.
“This year due to the epidemic, everyone has actually changed a lot. Everyone is working hard to resume their normal work while maintaining their health. Tennis tournaments can start again and I am very happy to be able to participate,,” Zhang said.
“I also hope that I can participate in more competitions next year. I hope that the epidemic will get better and people all over the world can stay healthy and everyone can be happy.”
Zhang arrived in the Czech Republic fresh off the back of a best fourth round finish at the French Open, albeit one that had a weakened field and held in October rather than May because of Covid-19.