Zhang Shuai of China competes during the women's singles round of 16 match against Magdalena Frech of Poland at 2024 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Du Xinyi/Xinhua)

Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai stunned 23rd-seeded Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-4, 6-2 to reach the women's singles quarterfinals at the China Open on Tuesday.

By breaking into the last eight of the China Open for the third time, after previous appearances in 2016 and 2018, the 35-year-old Zhang will next face Spain's Paula Badosa, who defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the round of 16.

"First of all, I'd like to thank everyone from across the country for coming here to watch me play on the National Day holiday. Your applause, cheers, and support are my greatest motivation," Zhang said.

"I am very happy to inspire my greatest energy in the China Open again," she added.