China’s rising tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen has stormed into the quarterfinals of the WTA Charleston Open for the first time in her career. The 20-year-old secured her spot by defeating Belgium’s Elise Mertens in a thrilling three-set match.
In their first-ever encounter, Zheng displayed her aggressive style from the get-go, clinching the first point with a powerful backhand. She dominated the first set, winning 6-3 after Mertens sent a return long.
Mertens, a seasoned player, fought back fiercely in the second set. She showcased her skill with a commanding volley during a rally that set the tone for her comeback, taking the set 6-0.
Undeterred, Zheng capitalized on her power advantage in the decisive third set. She maintained her composure and sealed the match with a 6-3 victory when Mertens hit the net on match point.
“I’m thrilled to make it to the quarterfinals here,” Zheng said after the match. “Facing a player like Mertens was challenging, but I stuck to my game plan.”
With this win, Zheng extends her impressive streak to 13 consecutive victories on clay courts. She will next face ninth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Zheng’s remarkable performance continues to inspire young athletes, as she represents the new generation of Chinese tennis talent making waves on the international stage.
