Zhang Shuai ‘ready for anyone’ after comeback victory over US Open champ Sloane Stephens in Australian Open first round

Zhang saved match point to beat American Stephens 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 to advance to the second round of the year's first grand slam. The 37-year-old Williams, who reached the final last year, lost 6-3, 7-5 to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

“She’s a tough player,” said Zhang, who has happy memories of Margaret Court Arena – Zhang reached the last eight there after coming through three qualifying rounds two years ago.

“I’m so happy to play on this court and play a great player.”

And the Chinese star had a warning for the rest of the field. “I know how hard I have worked so I’m ready for every match, every player.”

Thirteenth seed Stephens extended her sorry losing streak since winning at Flushing Meadows in September to eight matches against the 34th-ranked Chinese number two, a surprise quarter-finalist in Melbourne two years ago.

Stephens came back from a long-term injury to record her US Open victory but has struggled since with form and fitness. Things looked back on track for the woman known as “Sloane Ranger” as she raced to the first set 6-2 in 38 minutes.