Qinwen Zheng, a rising star in the world of tennis, has made history by becoming the second Chinese player to reach the semifinals at the WTA Finals. This achievement is a milestone that had been missing for 11 years, last accomplished by her countrywoman Li Na in 2013. Zheng’s journey to the semifinals was marked by a strong doubles performance, where she and her partner Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-1 in the Purple Group. This victory not only secured their spot in the semifinals but also highlighted Zheng’s growing prowess on the court.
In an interview with WTA after the match, Zheng expressed her excitement and gratitude: “11 years ago it was Li Na’s turn to reach the semifinals at the WTA Finals, I’m happy that now it’s my turn. I got through a really tough group, I’m very happy. Thanks also to my fans. It was one of the best matches of my season, I found the right feeling on all my shots. Playing like this was extraordinary. I finally feel like my serve is becoming more consistent.” Zheng’s confidence and determination are evident, reflecting the hard work she has put into her game.
Paolini, who has had a dream year in both singles and doubles, acknowledged the challenge she faced against Zheng: “I can’t accept playing a match like that, even though Zheng played very well. It was a bad match, very negative. I was very nervous and I couldn’t find solutions. I had a couple of chances in her first service games, but I made a lot of mistakes and then Zheng started serving better and better.” Despite the loss, Paolini remains optimistic for future matches, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and calmness at such high levels of competition.
Zheng’s achievement is not only significant for Chinese tennis but also highlights the growing interest in tennis globally. The WTA Finals, held in Riyadh, have been a platform for top female tennis players to showcase their skills, and Zheng’s success is a testament to her dedication and talent. As we continue to follow her journey, we can’t help but feel inspired by her determination to excel in the sport she loves.
###