China's Rising Tennis Star Triumphs in Thrilling Match
Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen delivered a career milestone on Sunday, defeating New Zealand's Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-5 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The victory marks her first-ever advancement to the tournament's Round of 16.
A Hard-Fought Path to Victory
Zheng, ranked ninth globally, showcased tenacity in a match fueled by tactical breaks and powerful serves. After Sun leveled the first set at 3-3, Zheng regained momentum with a decisive break in the seventh game. A blistering ace sealed the opening set at 6-4. The second set saw dramatic momentum shifts, with Zheng overcoming a late 5-5 tie to secure her breakthrough win.
From Wimbledon Setback to Indian Wells Redemption
The match carried added weight for Zheng, who fell to Sun in their sole prior encounter during Wimbledon's first round last year. Sunday's victory not only avenges that loss but also positions her for a high-stakes clash against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, the No. 18 seed.
