Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen delivered a standout performance at the Miami Open on Saturday, defeating American Taylor Townsend 6-1, 7-6(3) to advance to the tournament's round of 16. The victory marks her best showing at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) event, mirroring her previous 2023 achievement.
Zheng, seeded ninth, dominated from the start, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set within 17 minutes. Although Townsend avoided a shutout, Zheng closed the set decisively. The second set saw tighter competition, with both players holding serves until a tiebreak, where Zheng surged ahead 5-0 before clinching victory. She now faces Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. for a quarterfinal spot.
Reflecting on the match, Zheng's precision and improved mental resolve stood out, particularly after her 2019 Miami Open qualifier loss to Townsend. Analysts praised her baseline aggression and clutch serving under pressure.
In men's action, Germany's Alexander Zverev secured a milestone 145th Masters 1000 win—a German record—by defeating Britain's Jacob Fearnley 6-2, 6-4. Zverev, seeking redemption after an early exit in Indian Wells, will next play Australia's Jordan Thompson.
