China's Zhang Shuai delivered a dominant display for her fans as she overpowered Hungary's Timea Babos 6-1, 6-2 in the second round of the China Open on Wednesday. The young Chinese player has grown into the tournament, appearing more confident with every match.
"I think today I played much better... It's always very tough in the first match of every tournament. So I'm so happy today. I played really, really well."
While her previous game against Elise Mertens took a bit more work, the unseeded player had a much easier time of it against Babos. Zhang praised the fans who supported her throughout the match.
"Miraculously, whenever I play at the Diamond Court, I feel empowered. I feel empowered by the centre court. Those players who I was afraid of, now in the centre court I feel empowered to play against them."
Her next opponent will be No. 3 seed Angelique Kerber, who saw off Carla Suarez Navarro in the second round. Zhang Shuai is full of praise for her next opponent.
"My opponent tomorrow, [is a] three-time Grand Slam champion, on different surfaces, and a former world No. 1. I will try my best to raise my level...I always feel stronger in the centre court. I hope this kind of magical experience will come back to me tomorrow."
