United Cup: Gao and Zhang Lead China to Victory Over Brazil in Group E Opener
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Perth (Australia), Dec 27 (NationPress) Stepping in for the women's world No. 5 Zheng Qinwen, world No. 175 Gao Xinyu created a remarkable impression by achieving a significant upset on the inaugural day of the United Cup, leading China to a 2-0 triumph over Brazil in a Group E clash.
Gao, who was a last-minute substitute for Zheng, who opted to withdraw from the United Cup to rest for the upcoming season, triumphed over Beatriz Haddad Maia with scores of 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, providing China with a vital 1-0 lead in the opening match of the Group E tie.
The match lasted three hours and 22 minutes, marking it as the longest WTA singles match in the tournament's history, which stood in stark contrast to Zhang Zhizhen's swift 6-3, 6-0 victory against Thiago Monteiro, sealing the tie in favor of China. Ranked No. 45 in the ATP Rankings, Zhang dispatched the Brazilian in just 54 minutes, enhancing his record to 2-0 in their ATP head-to-head encounters.
In a thrilling comeback, both competitors faced physical challenges. Gao took a medical time-out in the second set, continuing with her left thigh heavily bandaged, showing visible signs of discomfort. Haddad Maia experienced cramps while serving at 4-3 in the deciding set, leading her to incorporate several underarm serves, ultimately getting broken.
Despite the challenges, both players delivered an electrifying performance for the audience at RAC Arena. Ranked No. 175, Gao, who filled in for Zheng Qinwen, had only achieved one previous tour-level victory and was facing a Top 50 player for the first time. Her only prior Top 100 win was back in 2017 against Veronica Cepede Royg during Beijing qualifying.
Yet, despite the experience gap, she matched up against No. 17 ranked Haddad Maia and came out with her best career victory.
Although Haddad Maia took charge early with an immediate break, Gao quickly found her rhythm, hitting three clean winners to break back and level the score at 5-5. She had two opportunities to force a tiebreaker, but the Brazilian responded with four consecutive unreturned serves to clinch a tight first set.
However, Gao's strategy shone in the second set as she drew Haddad Maia off the court with sharp angles and utilized high forehands to reset points, choosing her moments to strike. As the match progressed into the deciding set, it seemed Haddad Maia had the upper hand physically until cramps hit her dramatically during the eighth game, according to an update on the event's official page.
Though Haddad Maia regained her mobility in the next game, Gao was determined not to waste her chance. With the score at 30-30 in the final game, she countered a net-rushing Haddad Maia with a brilliant lob, ultimately securing victory when a forehand from Haddad Maia went astray. This win was especially gratifying for Gao, who made headlines last September for her loss in a 4-hour, 15-minute marathon against Sara Sorribes Tormo in Beijing, which was the fourth-longest WTA match in the Open Era.
