CHINA’S Zhang Shuai has progressed to the third round of the Australian Open after her opponent Elena Rybakina retired in the second set.

Zhang’s compatriot Wang Xinyu was struck down by Belarussian world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.

Zhang’s game came to a dramatic end after Kazakhstani, No. 12 seed, withdrew one game into the second set, the final score reached 6-4, 1-0.

Rybakina held her own in the first set but ultimately pulled out with a leg injury as Zhang blazed into the second set.

Zhang will now go on to face Belgium’s world No. 26 Elise Mertens in the third round.

She joins Wang Qiang as the only other Chinese player who has made it into the third round. Wang will face U.S. player Madison Keys, ranked 51st, Friday.

Chinese world No. 100 Wang Xinyu was unable to make it to round three after Belarusian Sabalenka turned around their game despite a shaky first set handed to her with 12 double faults.

During the second set the world No. 2 regained her confidence and rhythm, as she picked up her service game with a first serve win.

By the third and final set, Wang Xinyu was unable to gain any ground on the Belarusian hard-hitter, and a series of aces in the final game tied up the match.

The final score was 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

It was the first time for Wang Xinyu to make it to the second round of a Grand Slam tournament. (Xinhua)