Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen successfully defended her title at the Palermo Ladies Open, overcoming Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in a thrilling three-set final on Sunday in Palermo, Italy. The match, which lasted two hours and 49 minutes, saw Zheng triumph with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, marking her third Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour trophy.
The intense contest challenged both players from the outset. Zheng faced an early break in the first set but quickly retaliated, leveling the score and ultimately claiming the set to take a 1-0 lead. Muchova, a formidable opponent who reached the final of the 2023 French Open, fought back in the second set, matching Zheng’s score to even the match. Undeterred, Zheng maintained her composure and dominated the third set, securing her victory with decisive plays.
“I’m glad to come back to play in Palermo,” Zheng expressed after her win. “It’s a special place for me. This is my third time competing here and the second time I’ve won the title. There are no words to describe my feelings at the moment. I love the atmosphere here.”
Winning the trophy on clay court ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris not only bolsters Zheng’s confidence but also positions her as the No. 6 seed for the women’s singles event at the Olympics. Her continued success signals a promising future on the global stage, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes alike.
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Zheng Qinwen beats Karolina Muchova to defend Palermo Open title
cgtn.com
