China's rising tennis star Zheng Qinwen delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the WTA 1000 event at Indian Wells. The eighth-seeded Zheng, a Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, secured her first career win against the former world No. 1 in their third meeting.
'It's my first time beating Azarenka — she's such a great player,' said Zheng, reflecting on her strategic play. 'I focused on staying solid and engaging in long rallies. Even when she fought back in the second set, I stayed calm.' Azarenka had previously defeated Zheng when the Chinese player was just 19 and 21 years old, making this victory a significant milestone.
In the ATP 1000 men's draw, China's Buyunchaokete faced a tough challenge against fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia, falling 6-2, 6-2. The mixed results highlight China's growing presence in global tennis, drawing attention from sports analysts and fans alike.
Zheng's win underscores her potential as a future leader in women's tennis, with analysts noting her improved consistency and tactical maturity. The match has sparked enthusiasm among China's diaspora communities and sports investors tracking Asia's emerging athletic talent.
