Shuai Peng could secure a historic feat in Chinese tennis next week at the Qatar Open. She could become the first world number one player from China if she gets enough ranking points to overtake current topnotchers Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci next week in doubles.
Australian Open 2014 champion Li Na is now just a few points from becoming the world number two player in singles and this could become a possibility as incumbent Victoria Azarenka has 900 points to defend next week in Doha.
Peng and Zhang Shuai won the Pattaya Open doubles title last weekend after defeating Alla Kudryavtseva and Anastasia Rodionova.
“It was a very tough match but we made it,” Zhang said. “I’m very happy to win the title on this first-time partnership with Peng Shuai. We spent a very nice week together and celebrated Chinese New Year together here. For everyone that also celebrates this festival, we wish you a Happy New Year!”
