Chinese player Zheng Qinwen dazzled fans at the Italian Open by advancing to the women's singles quarterfinals for the third straight year. In a thrilling match, she defeated former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.
The contest got off to a fast start with Zheng seizing a quick 3-0 lead in the first set. Despite facing pressure from six double faults, she regrouped and traded breaks with her opponent before pulling ahead with determined and aggressive play.
Reflecting on the match, Zheng remarked, "After going up 3-0, I might have relaxed a bit, but I maintained a calm mindset and fought for every point." One of the day’s highlights was her stunning tweener shot in the second set—a moment that left the crowd in awe and showcased her passion for the game. 🎾
Building on her early momentum, Zheng stormed through the second set with a 4-0 lead, quickly reasserting control after a brief setback to close the set at 6-1. This impressive performance not only echoed her previous hard-fought victory over Andreescu in Toronto back in 2022, but also set the stage for a compelling quarterfinal encounter.
Up next, Zheng will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in their first-ever clay clash. With Sabalenka known for her aggressive style, Zheng plans to blend consistent defense with timely offensive moves to counter her challenge. Fans can expect an electrifying battle on one of tennis' most demanding surfaces.
The Italian Open continues to deliver drama and excitement, inspiring both passionate tennis fans and young athletes. Stay tuned for more updates from this high-energy tournament! 🔥
Reference(s):
Zheng Qinwen makes Italian Open quarterfinals for third straight time
cgtn.com
