In a stunning performance at the Italian Open in Rome, China’s Zheng Qinwen defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday, advancing to the semifinals of the prestigious clay-court tournament.
“Finally, I broke through! I’ve always known I have the ability to beat anyone, and I’m really happy that I truly did it today,” Zheng exclaimed after her impressive victory.
Prior to this match, Zheng had lost all six of her previous encounters with Sabalenka, managing to win only one set. However, those matches were all on hard courts. This was their first meeting on clay, and Zheng made the most of the opportunity.
The match began with both players holding their serves, but Zheng broke Sabalenka in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. She maintained her momentum and closed out the first set 6-4. In the second set, Zheng continued her dominance, quickly building a 2-0 lead with another break. Despite Sabalenka’s efforts to fight back, Zheng saved two crucial break points in the eighth game, keeping her advantage at 5-3.
The 20-year-old rising star sealed the match with her third break, securing her place in the semifinals where she will face fourth seed Coco Gauff of the United States.
“When I played against her before, maybe because she had the title of World No. 1 and a Grand Slam champion, and also because when I was a teenager, I used to watch her play, so I couldn’t properly read the situation,” Zheng reflected. “Today, I just focused on my game and played point by point.”
Zheng’s remarkable victory marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her potential to compete against the world’s best. Fans around the globe will be eagerly watching as she continues her journey at the Italian Open.
