Zheng Qinwen is on a winning streak at the China Open, securing her spot in the last 16 after a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory against Nadia Podoroska on Monday.
Supported by a vibrant Diamond Court crowd, the fifth seed showcased her prowess with a forehand winner to clinch the first set. The 21-year-old, who previously triumphed over Barbora Krejcikova at last October's Zhengzhou Open, demonstrated her skills with a decisive backhand down the line, breaking Podoroska’s serve.
With this win, Zheng is eyeing her third title of 2024, having already claimed singles gold at the Paris Olympics and the Palermo Ladies Open in Italy. Currently ranked World No. 7, she secured the match point with a flawless backhand, maintaining a 27-27 ratio of winners to unforced errors, while Podoroska struggled with only four winners.
Zheng will next face Amanda Anisimova, No. 34 seed, in a rematch of their engaging US Open first-round encounter, where Zheng prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 en route to the quarterfinals.
\"I felt it took me longer to react compared to the first round. Maybe it’s because of the cold weather, I didn’t warm up thoroughly. But I gradually found my form later in the match, and I was able to deliver some quick responses. I know she had a lot of break points in the first set but I managed to save them,\" Zheng commented.
Reference(s):
China Open: Zheng into last 16, Sabalenka claims 14th consecutive win
cgtn.com
