Zhang Shuai’s floundering form on the WTA Tour over the last year and a half has culminated in her claiming the record for the longest losing streak in the Open Era of tennis. She broke the unwanted record after a first-round exit at the 2024 Cincinnati Open on August 14.
Zhang faced Diane Shnaider in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open. The talented Russian, who has won three titles on the 2024 WTA Tour, made light work of the Chinese veteran, breaking her serve four times en route to a straight sets victory, 6-1, 6-4. This was Zhang’s 22nd straight loss on the professional tennis circuit, making hers the longest winless streak in tennis history.
Vincent Spadea, a former ATP player from the USA, held the previous record of 21 losses. Spadea’s streak began in October 1999 and persisted until June 2000. The former World No. 18 ended this unfortunate run with a five-set victory over Greg Rusedski in the first round of the 2000 Wimbledon Championships.
Zhang Shuai’s last victory came on January 31, 2023, against Madison Brengle in the first round of the 2023 Lyon Open. The 35-year-old has since lost in the opening round of every tournament at the WTA Tour and WTA Challenger circuit. Consequently, Her ranking has also dropped from World No. 22 in January 2023 to her current ranking of World No. 689.
Zhang broke the losing streak record in women’s tennis at the 2024 Indian Wells Open, where she lost to Mai Hontama. That was Zhang’s 18th straight loss, surpassing Arantxa Rus’ record of 17 defeats in a row.
However, it has not been all doom and gloom for the Chinese star. While she came up empty-handed on the singles court over the past 18 months, Zhang Shuai has found some success in the doubles format, which is her specialty.
Zhang Shuai finished runner-up in doubles at Rothesay Classic 2024
Zhang Shuai is currently ranked World No. 62 in the doubles WTA Ranking, with 1419 points. She has played 21 tournaments on the 2024 WTA Tour and Challenger Tour and won matches at 13 of them.
Her best doubles performance this year came at the 2024 Rothesay Classic in Birmingham. She paired up with Miyu Kato of Japan at the WTA 250 tournament and the duo defeated the teams of Sara Beth Grey and Tara Moore, Heather Watson and Greet Minnen, and Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova, before losing to Su-Wei Hsieh and Elise Mertens in the final.
Most recently, the two-time Grand Slam doubles champion reached the doubles quarterfinals at the 2024 Canadian Open in Toronto alongside Kristina Mladenovic. Zhang also competed in doubles at the Cincinnati Open with Liudmila Samsonova, but they bowed out in the first round to the team of Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani.
