China’s Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen began her debut campaign at the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a challenging match on Saturday, ultimately falling to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4.
Despite a determined effort, Zheng was unable to overturn Sabalenka’s dominance. This encounter marked the third time the two have met this season, with Sabalenka maintaining an unbeaten record against the rising Chinese star. Their previous clash in the Wuhan Open final last month was a hard-fought three-set battle, showcasing Zheng’s potential to compete at the highest level.
In another Purple Group singles match, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini secured a significant victory over Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, winning 7-6(5), 6-4. Paolini’s triumph adds intrigue to the group standings, intensifying the competition as the tournament unfolds.
Zheng’s participation in the WTA Finals highlights her rapid ascent in professional tennis. Facing top-ranked opponents like Sabalenka provides invaluable experience as she continues to establish herself on the global stage. Fans are eager to see how she will respond in her upcoming matches.
The WTA Finals feature the season’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, competing for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s tennis. This year’s event in Riyadh marks a significant moment for the region, bringing world-class tennis to new audiences and showcasing the sport’s growing global reach.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
