Zheng Qinwen of China powered into the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk on Monday. The 20-year-old’s impressive win at Indian Wells marks her first appearance in the last eight of this prestigious event and her seventh at a WTA 1000 tournament.
Taking just 80 minutes to secure the match, the eighth-seeded Zheng showcased a blend of controlled aggression and tactical prowess. “I needed to balance controlled aggression today,” Zheng said after the match. “Kostyuk was more aggressive but she also had more unforced errors. I wasn’t playing at my best level, but it was enough for me to advance.”
Zheng’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster, navigating through injuries and coaching changes. Recently, she reunited with her Spanish coach, Pere Riba, a move she credits for her renewed focus. “Riba’s return shifted our focus from physical limitations to court execution,” Zheng explained. “We’ve intensified training while eliminating excessive injury talk—that mental freedom translates to better movement during matches.”
Awaiting Zheng in the quarterfinals is World No. 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek of Poland. This will be their eighth career meeting, with Zheng eager to challenge the top seed. “Facing Iga is always a great opportunity,” Zheng noted. “I’m excited to see how my game matches up against hers this time.”
In doubles action, China’s Zhang Shuai and her partner Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei advanced to the semifinals. The duo defeated Jeļena Ostapenko of Latvia and Ellen Perez of Australia in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, showcasing their chemistry and experience on the court.
The next round promises thrilling matches as rising stars and seasoned players continue their quest for the title at Indian Wells.
