“Unbelievable!” exclaimed Zheng Qinwen after her stunning semifinal victory over Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets at the WTA Finals on Friday. The 22-year-old Chinese sensation has cemented her place among tennis’s elite, reaching the final of this prestigious year-end tournament for the first time in her career.
Already a formidable force on the court, Zheng, ranked No. 5 in the world, has had a remarkable year. Earlier this season, she was the runner-up to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open in January and made history by claiming China’s first ever Olympic tennis singles gold medal this summer.
This week, however, feels particularly significant for Zheng. Facing an elite field of opponents, she showcased not only her signature blend of power and precision but also a newfound composure under immense pressure. “I’ve been working hard on staying focused and handling the big moments,” Zheng said. “Tonight, it all came together.”
In her dominant performance against Krejcikova, Zheng broke the Czech player’s serve three times in the first set. Demonstrating her aggressive playstyle, she fired off seven aces, including one to clinch the set. Despite dropping her serve once, she maintained control throughout the match, ultimately sealing her spot in the final.
Her journey to the finals has captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide, and anticipation is building as she prepares to compete for the championship title. “This is just the beginning,” Zheng smiled. “I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
