Tennis

Zheng Qinwen, the rising star of Chinese tennis, has stunned the world by defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals of the Summer Olympic Games. The 21-year-old Zheng, who had never beaten Swiatek in six previous encounters, displayed remarkable resilience and determination to secure a 6-2, 7-5 victory in Paris.Zheng's victory is a testament to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity. Despite trailing 0-4 in the second set, she refused to give up and fought back with unwavering determination. Her aggressive play and patience proved too much for Swiatek, who was visibly frustrated throughout the match.Zheng's victory is a significant milestone in her young career. It marks her first victory over a world No. 1 and propels her into the Gold Medal Match, where she will face either Donna Vekic or Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.Zheng's journey to the Olympic semifinals has been nothing short of remarkable. She began the year with a breakout run to the Australian Open final and has continued to impress with her consistent performances throughout the season. Her victory over Swiatek is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her abilities.Zheng's success is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for China. She is the first Chinese player to reach the Olympic tennis final since Li Na in 2012. Her performance has inspired a new generation of Chinese tennis players and has raised the profile of the sport in her home country.As Zheng prepares for the Gold Medal Match, she will undoubtedly face another tough challenge. However, her unwavering determination and belief in herself will give her the confidence to overcome any obstacle and achieve her Olympic dream.

Emma Navarro's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end in Paris, but not without leaving a lasting impression. After a grueling three-hour battle, the American succumbed to China's Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set encounter. However, it was Navarro's post-match comments that stole the spotlight, as she unleashed a scathing attack on her opponent's "cut-throat" demeanor.Navarro's frustration boiled over at the net, where she confronted Zheng with a barrage of accusations. The American expressed her lack of respect for Zheng's on-court behavior, claiming it created a hostile atmosphere in the locker room. "I just told her I didn't respect her as a competitor," Navarro told AFP. "I think she goes about things in a pretty cut-throat way."Zheng, the No. 6 seed, remained composed in the face of Navarro's outburst. She acknowledged Navarro's concerns and expressed a willingness to improve her behavior. "She told me she doesn't know how I have a lot of fans," Zheng said. "It looks like she's not happy with my behavior towards her. If she's not happy about my behavior, she can come and tell me. I would like to correct it to become a better player and a better person."The incident has sparked a debate about sportsmanship and the boundaries of acceptable behavior on the court. Some have defended Zheng, arguing that her aggressive style of play is simply a reflection of her competitive nature. Others have sided with Navarro, condemning Zheng's alleged lack of respect for her opponents.Regardless of one's stance on the matter, it is clear that Navarro's comments have struck a chord. They have raised important questions about the role of sportsmanship in modern competition and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all athletes.

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.

Zheng Qinwen, the world No. 7, has emerged victorious at the Palermo Ladies Open, securing her first title of the year and a boost of confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics.In a thrilling final against former Australian Open finalist Karolina Muchova, Zheng displayed resilience and determination to triumph 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The match was a rollercoaster of breaks, with both players struggling to hold serve consistently. However, Zheng's improved first-serve percentage in the decider proved crucial.Despite Muchova's valiant efforts to level the score, Zheng's unwavering focus and aggressive play ultimately prevailed. The Chinese star clinched the victory when Muchova's backhand found the net, securing her second Palermo Ladies Open title.Zheng's triumph marks a significant milestone in her career. She has now extended her unbeaten streak at the WTA 250 event to 10 matches, showcasing her dominance on clay. The victory also serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication, as she continues to rise through the ranks of women's tennis.Meanwhile, Muchova's performance in Palermo was a positive sign of her recovery from a nine-month injury layoff. The Czech player, who underwent right wrist surgery in February, demonstrated her fighting spirit and determination to return to her former glory.Both Zheng and Muchova will now turn their attention to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. They will represent their respective nations, China and the Czech Republic, and aim to make a mark on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Marketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen: Tennis Stars Grace Fashion Magazines Ahead of Paris OlympicsMarketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen, two rising stars in the tennis world, are making waves both on and off the court. Ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, the duo has graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, showcasing their style and athleticism.Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has joined forces with four other Czech athletes for a special spread in Czech Esquire. The edgy black dress with a lace overskirt, paired with her signature tattoos, exudes both elegance and strength. The shoot, styled by Lenka Kermes and photographed by Benedikt Renc, also features archer Marie Horackova, fencer Alexander Choupenitch, judoka Lukas Krpalek, and cyclist Iveta Miculycova, who collectively boast four Olympic medals.Vondrousova, who made history as the second woman to lose in the first round of her title defense at Wimbledon, is determined to make a strong comeback in Paris. Her impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she secured a silver medal and defeated Naomi Osaka, has set the stage for another stellar Olympic appearance. She will also team up with Karolina Muchova in the doubles event.Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen has become the solo cover star of Harper's Bazaar China's August issue, marking her second appearance in the magazine within two years. The Australian Open finalist and Top 10 player was styled by Wang Hao and photographed by Zack Zhang. The shoot showcases her versatility, as she poses in street wear, formal attire, and athleisure apparel on a tennis court.Since reaching the Grand Slam singles final in January, Zheng's portfolio has expanded to include a partnership with Lancôme. Her growing confidence in front of the camera is evident in her recent cover for China's GQ magazine. Zheng is poised to make her Olympic debut in Paris, adding another chapter to her remarkable journey.

Naomi Osaka's resurgence on the WTA Tour hit a roadblock at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin, as she succumbed to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat against rising star Zheng Qinwen. The former world No. 1, playing her first match since a narrow loss to Bianca Andreescu, faced a formidable opponent in Zheng, who unleashed an impressive 23 aces and secured her second victory over Osaka in as many meetings.Zheng's dominance on serve was evident from the outset, as she fired seven aces in the opening set to take an early lead. Osaka responded with her trademark power hitting, breaking Zheng in the second set and leveling the match. However, Zheng's resilience shone through in the decider, as she broke Osaka in the fourth game and held on despite Osaka's valiant efforts to save three match points.The rivalry between Osaka and Zheng has an added layer of intrigue, as both players have worked with the same coach, Wim Fissette. Zheng has expressed admiration for Osaka's determination to return to the top after becoming a mother, while Osaka has acknowledged Zheng's rapid rise in the rankings.Zheng's victory over Osaka is a testament to her growing confidence and ability on grass. The Chinese star, who has a 2-6 career record on the surface, will now face Czech qualifier Katerina Siniakova in the second round. Osaka, meanwhile, will look to regroup and continue her pursuit of a first Top 10 victory since 2020.

Elina Avanesyan Continues Giant-Killing Run at Roland Garros, Upsets No. 7 Zheng QinwenPARIS—Elina Avanesyan, the 21-year-old Russian sensation, has continued her remarkable run at Roland Garros, becoming the second Top 8 seed to fall before the fourth round. On Saturday, she defeated No. 7 Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), joining No. 6 Maria Sakkari as an upset victim.Avanesyan's victory is a testament to her rapidly rising star. Ranked 70th in the world, she now boasts an impressive 5-0 record against Top 15 players. Her upset of Sakkari in straight sets at the Australian Open earlier this year hinted at her potential, and she has now confirmed her status as a force to be reckoned with.Zheng, the Australian Open runner-up, fought back from a 2-5 deficit in the third set to force a tiebreaker. However, Avanesyan remained composed and played with the same tenacity that had put Zheng in such a precarious position.The pivotal moment came at 8-6 in the tiebreaker. A lengthy rally ensued, with both players displaying exceptional court coverage and power. Avanesyan ultimately prevailed when Zheng's forehand sailed wide.Avanesyan's victory was a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Despite the rain delays and challenging conditions, she maintained her focus and executed her game plan with precision."After a few days here, I guess everybody gets used to these [conditions]," Avanesyan said about the rain. "On the break we were just playing cards and drinking tea to be honest. It was really nice."Avanesyan will now face either Bianca Andreescu or 12th-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round. She is relishing the opportunity to continue her dream run at Roland Garros, a tournament that holds special significance for her."It's a really magical place for me," Avanesyan said. "Last year was amazing, this year as well."

Coco Gauff's remarkable victory over Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia showcased her resilience and determination. The 20-year-old American, ranked No. 3 in the world, overcame a challenging first set to secure a 7-6 (4), 6-1 triumph.Gauff and Zheng, both rising stars in the WTA, entered the match with similar struggles in recent months. Gauff had been grappling with her forehand and serve, while Zheng had experienced a dip in motivation. However, both players displayed signs of improvement in Rome.Zheng's newfound enthusiasm was evident in her victory over Naomi Osaka earlier in the tournament. Gauff, on the other hand, has been working diligently on her technique, particularly her serve and return.The first set was a closely contested affair, with both players holding serve comfortably. Gauff broke through for a 5-3 lead, but Zheng responded with a brilliant drop shot-forehand volley combination to break back.The tiebreaker proved to be the turning point. Zheng's overhit on the first point gave Gauff the momentum, and she seized control with a down-the-line backhand winner and a service winner.In the second set, Gauff's dominance was undeniable. She faced just one break point and forced numerous errors from Zheng's racquet. Zheng's first-serve percentage dropped to 40%, while Gauff's forehand became increasingly reliable.Gauff's victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. The American has been eager to break into the elite group of players who have consistently challenged Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Rybakina.

Naomi Osaka's resurgence on clay came to an abrupt end in the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as she succumbed to the power and consistency of Zheng Qinwen in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.Despite her struggles on the surface, Osaka had shown promising signs in Rome, notching back-to-back victories over Top 20 opponents. However, the No. 7 seed proved too formidable for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who bowed out in 84 minutes on Campo Centrale.Osaka's determination to improve her clay-court results was evident in her early arrival to the swing and her participation in a 250 event in Rouen. She carried that momentum into Madrid, where she reached the second round before falling to Liudmila Samsonova.In Rome, Osaka strung together her most impressive results on clay since 2019, when she reached the quarterfinals of both Madrid and Rome. She dispatched Porsche Tennis Grand Prix runner-up Marta Kostyuk and 2022 Roland Garros semifinalist Daria Kasatkina in straight sets, marking the first time in five years that she had won three consecutive matches on the surface.However, Zheng, another big hitter with a proven track record on clay, proved to be a formidable opponent. The 21-year-old Chinese star had reached the quarterfinals of Rome last year and made a strong start to the 2024 season, reaching her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open.Despite an injury setback in Stuttgart, Zheng looked in fine form in Rome, dispatching Shelby Rogers and Linda Noskova to set up her second career meeting with Osaka.The match began with an exchange of breaks, but Zheng quickly gained the upper hand, taking advantage of Osaka's inconsistent first serve percentage (27%) to break three times and claim the opening set in under 40 minutes.Zheng maintained her momentum in the second set, breaking Osaka early and holding on to a 5-4 lead with a chance to serve for the match. Osaka complained to the umpire about a potential hindrance from Zheng's delayed grunt, but her protest was dismissed. Zheng converted her second match point to reach another quarterfinal in Rome, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Paula Badosa for a spot in the semifinals.