Tennis

Zheng Qinwen's remarkable run in the second half of 2024 continues unabated as the Paris Olympics champion has stormed into the semifinals of the WTA Finals on her debut.In a decisive match at Riyadh, Zheng displayed her dominance with a resounding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jasmine Paolini. This triumph marked her 30th win from 34 matches since Wimbledon, solidifying her status as one of the most formidable players on the circuit.Zheng's victory secured her second place in the Purple Group behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The Chinese star attributed her success to her exceptional serving performance, stating, "It's one of the best performances I had during this year. Really good percentage of first serves. I enjoyed a lot tonight to play here."Zheng's dominance was evident from the outset as she broke Paolini in the third game and maintained her momentum throughout the match. Her powerful serves kept the Italian guessing, while her aggressive returns forced Paolini into numerous errors.The 22-year-old's relentless pressure paid dividends as she converted five breaks of serve during the encounter. On match point, Zheng unleashed her 12th ace to seal the victory after a mere 68 minutes.Zheng's impressive statistics reflect her dominance: she finished with 24 winners to just 14 unforced errors and won an astonishing 77 percent of her first-serve points. Her performance has drawn comparisons to Li Na, the only other Chinese woman to advance out of the round-robin stage of the year-end event, who finished as runner-up in 2013.Zheng's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has emerged as a rising star in the tennis world and is poised to make a significant impact on the sport in the years to come.

Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, dashed the hopes of Chinese star Zheng Qinwen in the final of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, claiming her third title with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory.Zheng, a Wuhan native and reigning Olympic gold medalist, had been on a remarkable run, becoming the first Chinese player to reach a WTA 1000 final. However, Sabalenka, a two-time Wuhan champion, proved too strong, despite the partisan crowd support for Zheng.Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, started the match with a dominant display, taking the first set 6-3. Zheng fought back in the second set, applying pressure on Sabalenka's serve and capitalizing on her errors. The crowd erupted in cheers as Zheng leveled the match at 1-1.The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks of serve. Zheng, despite facing a double-break deficit, showed her resilience by clawing back one break and holding a point to level the score at 3-3. However, Sabalenka remained unyielding, denying Zheng the comeback and securing the victory in two hours and 41 minutes.Sabalenka's triumph extended her winning streak in Wuhan to 17-0, making her the first player to win three consecutive titles at the tournament. It was also her fifth trophy on Chinese soil, the most by any player in the Open era.For Zheng, the defeat was a learning experience as she continues to climb the ranks of women's tennis. She acknowledged Sabalenka's strengths and expressed her eagerness to improve her tactics and mental fortitude.

Novak Djokovic, a tennis legend, has achieved remarkable success in China, claiming 11 titles on Chinese soil, including the 2008 Masters Cup triumph in Shanghai. His undefeated reign over six trips to Beijing highlights his dominance in the region.Djokovic attributes his success to his love for Chinese dumplings and language. He believes these cultural connections contribute to his comfort and confidence on the court.Returning to China for the first time in five years, Djokovic is eager to compete at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Despite missing last year's Asian swing, he remains optimistic about his chances.During a practice session with Zhang Zhizhen, Djokovic assessed the court conditions as "pretty fast," similar to his previous experiences. He emphasized the importance of serving well, a skill he has been honing in preparation for the tournament.Djokovic's first tournament since his third-round exit at the US Open has provided him with ample time to prepare. He hopes to leverage his "freshness" to his advantage as he aims for his 100th career title."I just love playing here, love the conditions, love the support that I get," Djokovic said. "I also have an extra motivation of trying to go for my 100th title."Djokovic will begin his campaign against the winner of Alex Michelsen and Bu Yunchaokete. With his experience and determination, he remains a formidable contender for the Shanghai Masters title.

Zheng Qinwen, the 21-year-old Chinese tennis sensation, has made waves in the sport with her recent Olympic gold medal victory and impressive performances on the WTA Tour. Her journey to the top has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to carry on the legacy of her idol, Li Na.Growing up in Shiyan, China, Zheng was inspired by Li's Grand Slam triumphs and moved to Wuhan at the age of 8 to train under Li's coach, Carlos Rodriguez. In 2019, she relocated to Barcelona to work with Pere Riba, her current coach.Zheng's breakthrough came at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she became the first Chinese tennis player to win gold. Her victory over Iga Swiatek, the reigning queen of clay, was a testament to her skill and determination.Despite her success, Zheng remains grounded and focused on her goals. She recognizes the importance of maintaining her motivation and staying consistent in her performances. The Olympic experience taught her the value of patience and perseverance, qualities she aims to carry into her regular tournament play.Zheng's upcoming match at the US Open against Amanda Anisimova will be a test of her abilities. However, she remains confident in her game and believes that her big serve and fitness will serve her well on any surface.Zheng's rise to prominence is a testament to her talent and unwavering spirit. She is a role model for young athletes and an inspiration to her country. As she continues her journey, she carries the legacy of Li Na and the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.

Zheng Qinwen, the rising star of Chinese tennis, has embarked on an emotional rollercoaster in 2024. After reaching the Australian Open final, she faced setbacks at the French Open and Wimbledon. However, she recently defended her title at the Palermo Ladies Open, showcasing her resilience and growth.Zheng's journey has been marked by a newfound sense of acceptance. She recognizes that perfection is elusive, both on and off the court. This realization has allowed her to embrace the highs and lows with equanimity.As she prepares for the Olympic Games in Paris, Zheng is embracing the pressure of representing her country. She believes that the stakes are higher when playing for the nation, but she is determined to manage her emotions and play her best.Zheng's success has been attributed to her inner strength and the support of her team. She credits her former coach, Wim Fissette, for helping her develop her self-empowerment. She also values the guidance of her current coach, Pere Riba, and the trust she has in her team members.Zheng's Olympic debut will be a testament to her growth as a player and a person. She is seeded sixth and will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. Her journey has been one of resilience, acceptance, and unwavering determination, and she is poised to make a mark on the Olympic stage.