Zhang Shuai and Mertens in the game.

Image credit: Osports All Sports Photo Agency

　　China News Service Client, Beijing, July 11th (Reporter Bian Liqun) In the Wimbledon women's doubles final that ended in the early morning of the 11th Beijing time, China's "Golden Flower" Zhang Shuai and his partner Mertens scored 2:6/4:6. Lost to the No. 2 seed Czech Krejickova/Siniakova and finished runner-up.

　　This is Zhang Shuai's first defeat in a Grand Slam final, having previously won the women's doubles at the Australian Open in 2019 and the US Open in 2021.

Screenshot of Zhang Shuai's social media

　　Although he mocked himself as an "old Chinese aunt", Zhang Shuai never gave up on his dream pursuit.

　　Wimbledon this season has been going all the way, and the new combination of Zhang Shuai and Mertens is very strong.

Like Zhang Shuai's previous partner Stosur, the new partner Mertens can also have a good chemistry with her.

　　However, unlike the complementary Stosur, Mertens and Zhang Shuai are more similar.

At the 2019 Australian Open, Zhang Shuai/Stosur beat the defending champions Babos/Mladenovic to win the Grand Slam title together for the first time.

　　In this tournament, they first beat Bondar/Mineen with 6:3/6:1, then swept Grubic and Osorio with 6:3/6:2, and easily advanced to the top 16 of women's doubles.

　　In the third round, Zhang Shuai/Mertens continued their good form and eliminated No. 15 seeds Chichennock and Olaru 6:4/6:3. Zhang Shuai entered the Wimbledon women's doubles quarterfinals for the first time.

　　In the match against the 7th seed Guarach/Klapach, Zhang Shuai/Mertens also eliminated their opponents 6:3/6:2 very strongly.

　　Entering the semi-finals, facing the American combination Collins/Krafchak, Zhang Shuai and his partner Mertens fought hard for three sets and became the final winner.

Zhang Shuai in the women's doubles semi-final at Wimbledon.

Image credit: Osports All Sports Photo Agency

　　Perhaps it was because the semi-finals consumed too much, and Zhang Shuai's state in the finals was not ideal.

　　As soon as the final came up, the opponent established a 3-0 advantage.

In the 4th game, Mertens Baofa stabilized the combination for the combination, but in the end it was unable to resist the opponent who was in excellent condition and lost the first game with 2:6.

　　In the second set, both sides kept their serve in the first 6 innings, and it was 3:3 at one point. Although Zhang Shuai volleyed in front of the net for the first time in the seventh inning, they both made mistakes to varying degrees. Lost a set and lost to the opponent with a total score of 0:2.

　　Although there are some regrets, for Zhang Shuai, there have been enough surprises in this Wimbledon.

Many netizens are very open-minded in the face of this result.

　　"When the score was behind, we were very anxious, but seeing you smiling so comfortably on the court, we were relieved. There are more competitions to come, and it will be a long time to come."

　　"The runner-up is also good! Although today's game should be played better, it's a bit tight, and a lot of balls have not been played."

　　Not only tennis fans, this open-mindedness and optimism are also reflected in Zhang Shuai.

　　After the game, she gave a speech at the award ceremony: "It is very special for me to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time, thank you Mertens for taking me into the center court, congratulations to Barbara and Katrina, you played It was fantastic. Hopefully next time we can play here again."

　　It really comes from the heart.

For the 33-year-old Zhang Shuai, the stage where he only cares about winning and losing has passed.

　　Before the final, Zhang Shuai once said: "Just enjoy it, enjoy such a beautiful moment, don't want to win or lose, at least the four of us in the final are the best women's doubles players at Wimbledon this time. We want to shine our light."

Data map: Zhang Shuai in the game.

　　Along the way this year's Wimbledon, Zhang Shuai's impression is not just a surprise brought by his strong performance on the field.

Relatively speaking, that optimism and smile are more precious, which have also become her dazzling background.

　　In the previous semi-finals, Zhang Shuai and Mertens encountered difficulties for a while.

Under pressure, Mertens also made mistakes.

But no matter good times or bad times, Zhang Shuai will actively give high fives and encouragement to his partners.

　　Even if he lost to Garcia in the singles game before, Zhang Shuai could still joke with his opponent after the game: "It has happened many times, and my opponent won the championship after winning me. I will always support you."

Image source: Official Weibo of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

　　Zhang Shuai is someone who can always bring a smile to others.

　　"Life is only a few decades old, and I feel that beauty should be given to everyone," she said.

　　Zhang Shuai gained good popularity because of this.

And this good attitude and love also helped her overcome the years and setbacks.

　　After winning the US Open last year, Zhang Shuai's excerpted lyrics on social media are still stuck on top.

　　I'm dying

　　almost paranoid

　　I live under the clouds

　　i'm like an angel

　　This is Zhang Shuai's interpretation of himself.

For Zhang Shuai, who has been shining enough, this failure cannot stop her from continuing to bloom.

(Finish)