How Did Olympic Champion Zheng Qinwen End Sabalenka’s Winning Streak to Reach Rome Semifinals?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match in Rome, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen claimed her first victory against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, breaking a six-match losing streak. Zheng's remarkable performance not only propelled her to the semifinals of the Italian Open but also showcased her prowess on clay. Discover how she overcame previous setbacks in this exciting match.
Key Takeaways
- Zheng Qinwen achieved a significant victory over Aryna Sabalenka.
- This win marked Zheng's first against the World No. 1 in their seventh encounter.
- Zheng's performance showcased her ability to excel on clay courts.
- She is now aiming for her second WTA 1000 final.
- Zheng's journey continues as she prepares to face Coco Gauff in the semifinals.
Rome, May 15 (NationPress) Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen achieved her first victory against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in their seventh all-time encounter, securing her place in the semifinals of the Italian Open with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Entering this match, Zheng was previously 0-6 against Sabalenka and had not won at the quarterfinal stage in Rome, holding an 0-2 record. However, in just 1 hour and 37 minutes, she broke both of those streaks by saving all five break points she encountered and successfully breaking Sabalenka's serve three times, as reported by the WTA.
Zheng attributed her enhanced comfort on clay as a key factor that contributed to her win compared to their earlier matches. Despite Sabalenka’s impressive nine-match winning streak on clay, Zheng holds a perfect 3-0 record in clay-court finals and boasts an impressive 17-3 record in her last 20 clay matches.
"I've been trying to beat her for a long time. I’ve come close before, but never succeeded until now. This is our first encounter on clay, and I felt more at ease because of my experience on the surface," Zheng stated after the match.
"I showed more patience than her. I’m thrilled with my performance and excited to have beaten the World No. 1," added Zheng, who noted that she hit 27 unforced errors compared to just 15 winners.
Zheng is now the second Chinese woman to reach the semifinals in Rome, following Li Na, who was the tournament's runner-up in 2012. Next, she aims for her second career WTA 1000 final against Coco Gauff, the No. 4 seed, who earlier defeated Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in straight sets.
Gauff has won both of their previous encounters, including last season's quarterfinals in Rome and the championship match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh last year. She has a strong record of nine wins out of ten matches on red clay in Madrid and Rome, according to WTA statistics.
Point of View
Zheng Qinwen's victory against Aryna Sabalenka signifies a pivotal moment in her career. This win not only acknowledges her dedication and perseverance but also highlights the rising talent in women's tennis. As a nation, we celebrate Zheng's achievement, which inspires young athletes and showcases the potential of Chinese players on the global stage.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the match between Zheng Qinwen and Aryna Sabalenka?
Zheng Qinwen defeated Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-4, 6-3, marking her first win against the World No. 1.
How many times had Zheng faced Sabalenka before this match?
Before this match, Zheng Qinwen had faced Aryna Sabalenka six times and had lost each encounter.
What record does Zheng hold on clay courts?
Zheng Qinwen holds a 3-0 record in clay-court finals and a 17-3 record in her last 20 clay-court matches.
Who will Zheng face in the semifinals?
In the semifinals, Zheng will compete against Coco Gauff, the No. 4 seed.
When did Li Na reach the semifinals in Rome?
Li Na reached the semifinals in Rome in 2012, becoming the first Chinese woman to do so.
