In a nation mad for tennis but deep in drought for a new homegrown star, fans sat up when Chinese player Zhang Shuai, ranked No. 133 in the world, on Tuesday knocked out World No. 2 Simona Halep 6-4, 6-3 from the first round of the Australian Open.

In the gladiatorial aspect of the tennis court, David and Goliath make for the obvious subtext. This is the first of 15 attempts that the Chinese player, who turns 27 on Thursday, has broken through with a victory in the main singles draw in a Grand Slam, the highest level of tennis tournaments globally.

The weight of the moment wasn't lost on Ms. Zhang, who wept at a courtside interview after the match as the interviewer reminded her of the rarity of her feat.

As the applause went up, the tears welled up in Ms. Zhang's eyes. She covered her face, drenched in tears when she lifted it some seconds later to address the crowd.

"I think in my life, it's the best tennis," Ms. Zhang said.