China’s Rising Star Xinyu High Shocks Brazil’s Top Player in Unified Cup, Secures Team China’s First 2 Points
In a thrilling turn of events at the 2025 Unified Cup tennis team competition in Australia, China’s Xinyu High pulled off a major upset by defeating the WTA world No. 17 Beatriz Haddad Maia from Brazil in a nail-biting three-set match. With scores of 5-7, 6-4, 7-5, High’s victory, coupled with Zhang Zizhen’s dominant performance in the men’s singles, propelled Team China to a commanding 2-0 lead over Brazil in the Perth Group E preliminary match.
The Unexpected Triumph of Xinyu High
High, ranked 175th in the women’s singles, found herself thrust into the spotlight after Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen withdrew from the competition due to unknown reasons. Facing a formidable opponent in Maia, High displayed incredible resilience and determination throughout the grueling 3-hour, 22-minute match, ultimately securing the biggest win of her professional career and giving Team China a crucial 1-0 lead.
Both players battled physical discomfort during the match, with the 27-year-old High requiring a medical timeout in the second set to treat a leg injury before bravely returning to the court. As the match progressed to the deciding set, Maia, gripping her racket with her injured hand, struggled with severe cramps and was forced to serve multiple times, leading to her eventual defeat at the hands of High.
Zhang Zizhen Seals the Deal for Team China
Following High’s remarkable performance, Zhang Zizhen wasted no time in extending China’s lead by swiftly dispatching Thiago Monteiro from the Brazilian team in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-0. Zhang’s commanding victory secured Team China’s second crucial point, solidifying their position as the frontrunners in the group stage.
As the Unified Cup tournament continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Team China as they aim to maintain their winning momentum and advance further in the competition. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exhilarating tennis showdown Down Under.
