Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen delivered a commanding performance at the WTA Italian Open on Friday, securing her first clay-court victory of the 2024 season with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 win over Serbia's Olga Danilovic. The 90-minute triumph propels the eighth-seeded Zheng, ranked World No. 8, into the tournament's third round.
Zheng, who had a first-round bye, showcased her adaptability on clay against World No. 33 Danilovic, a familiar opponent she previously bested at the 2023 United Cup. The match began with Zheng dominating the first set, building a 5-0 lead before overcoming four break points in the seventh game. A powerful ace sealed the set at 6-1.
The second set featured tighter exchanges, with Zheng breaking Danilovic's serve twice. After claiming four consecutive points in the eighth game, she closed the set 6-4. Reflecting on her refined strategy, Zheng said: "I focused on consistency today—minimizing unforced errors while waiting for attacking opportunities. Staying calm was key."
As eyes turn to the French Open, Zheng emphasized mental resilience: "Emotional control directly impacts my game. My priority now is maintaining focus, match by match." Her Rome campaign continues amid growing anticipation for her Grand Slam prospects.
