China's Zhang Shuai's run at the French Open has been ended in the third round by Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova.
The 32nd seed lost out to the Russian veteran, seeded 8, 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 in a marathon 190 minutes.
Zhang Shuai plays a backhand during ladies singles third round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia on day six of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2017 in Paris, France. /VCG Photo
Reflecting on the defeat, Zhang said: “Kuznetzova gave me more encouragement, which helped me to save two match points consecutively, I think I did excellently on this aspect. Although I lost the match, I don't think I was a failure for this match and this year's French Open. I think I did well on the red clay court, and I am satisfied for the result.”
Zhang Shuai returns the ball to Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova. /VCG Photo
Zhang Shuai advanced to the same stage at last year's US Open, before progressing to the quarter-finals at January's Australian Open.
Zhang Shuai and Svetlana Kuznetsova hugging each other after the match. /VCG photo
In other results on Friday, 4th seed Garbine Muguruza from Spain beat 27th seed Yulia Putintseva from Kazakhstan in two sets. Kristina Mladenovic, the 13th seed from France, beat Shelby Rogers from US in three sets, and 23th seed Samantha Stosur from Australia beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands from the US in two sets.
