The 27-year-old only had to win four games against Babos to qualify, but had much loftier goals.
"I wanted to make the semifinal, not just win four games," she said. "I'd played really good during the Asian Swing so I have a lot of confidence now, and I want to win every match."
Beginning the year ranked outside the Top 130, Zhang made her biggest career breakthrough by reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open as a qualifier (upsetting Simona Halep and Madison Keys along the way).
But lately, it's the Asian swing of the tour that has really brought out Zhang's talent. Two semifinal appearances in Tokyo and Seoul, as well as strong run to the quarterfinals in Beijing, has helped her gain momentum for the Elite Trophy.
With one WTA career title to her name (Guangzhou in 2013), it may be time to add another one to the list.
Zhang is currently ranked No. 28 in the world and finished 2-0 in her group by first shutting out Timea Bacsinszky 6-1, 6-1 on Tuesday. She will face Elina Svitolina in the semifinals.
