Beiwen Zhang’s victory at the SATHIO GROUP Australian Open holds immense significance. Not only was it her first title in five years, but it also marked her two-year journey since a severe Achilles injury at the Tokyo Olympics. Zhang’s return to the top 10 rankings, her best since August 2019, showcases her exceptional resilience. As the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships approach, her opponents must be cautious. In an interview, Zhang shares her thoughts on the tournament win, her injury and recovery, and her upcoming challenges.
What Winning the Australia Open Meant to Zhang
Zhang didn’t have high expectations heading into the tournament, given her inconsistent performance in previous competitions. However, her victory over Sindhu in the quarterfinals came as a pleasant surprise. Winning the tournament not only boosted Zhang’s confidence but also reaffirmed the progress she has made over the past year. She noticed improvements in her game and movement on the court, particularly since the All England tournament.
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The Significance of Zhang’s First Tournament Win in Five Years
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Zhang acknowledges that her long-awaited victory was partly due to luck. Despite reaching numerous finals in the past, she struggled to clinch the title. Unlike top-ranked players who have a chance to win even on bad days, Zhang’s performance has been less consistent. However, she remains optimistic and grateful for her achievement, recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique and comparisons are futile.
Overcoming Adversity and Returning to the Top 10
Zhang’s return to the top 10 rankings is a remarkable accomplishment, considering the severity of her injury just two years ago. With better physical condition and access to a shared physiotherapist, she can now play without major setbacks. In the past, injuries, particularly to her calves, hindered her progress. Zhang’s positive mindset and focus on doing her best each day have been instrumental in her recovery.
Zhang’s Inspiration and Admirations in the Sport
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Zhang draws inspiration from fellow player Carolina Marin, who also made a successful comeback after a significant injury. She admires Marin’s mental toughness and acknowledges the challenges she has faced. Nevertheless, Zhang emphasizes that everyone’s circumstances are different, and it’s important to focus on personal progress rather than making comparisons.
Looking Ahead to the World Championships and Beyond
Despite training in Denmark, Zhang does not consider the World Championships in Copenhagen a home event. She has primarily played league matches in the city and is determined to regain her competitive mindset for the tournament. Zhang looks forward to facing An Se Young, as she considers every match an opportunity to improve her game. With retirement on the horizon after the Olympics, she aims to elevate her level and make the most of each tournament.
FAQs
Q: How long has it been since Zhang’s last tournament win?
A: Zhang’s last tournament win was five years ago at the India Open in 2018.
Q: How has Zhang’s injury affected her performance in the past?
A: Zhang’s injury, particularly to her calves, has caused her to withdraw from tournaments and disrupted her consistency.
Q: Who is Zhang’s inspiration in the sport?
A: Zhang finds inspiration in Carolina Marin, another player who made a successful comeback after a significant injury.
Summary
Beiwen Zhang’s victory at the SATHIO GROUP Australian Open marks her triumphant return to the top 10 rankings following a two-year recovery journey from a severe Achilles injury. This significant win has instilled confidence in Zhang, and she believes that her performance has improved over the past year. Despite the challenges she faced, Zhang remains resilient, maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on personal progress. As she prepares for the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships, Zhang looks forward to facing formidable opponents and continuing her journey of improvement.
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