Beijing — After a two-month break for elbow surgery, world No. 9 Zheng Qinwen returned to the court with a bang at the China Open, defeating Colombian lucky loser Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-2 in front of a roaring home crowd.
The victory marks a fresh chapter for the 21-year-old, who last reached the semifinals at Queen’s Club in June before a frustrating first-round exit at Wimbledon. Persistent right elbow issues led Zheng to opt for surgery, sidelining her during the US Open.
Despite not being at full fitness, Zheng’s decision to play in Beijing was driven by her desire to reconnect with fans. She said feeling the crowd’s support gave her extra motivation. Her third head-to-head win over Arango extends her record to 3-0 in straight sets, including triumphs at the French Open and the Paris Summer Olympics.
Next up, the Chinese top-ranked player will face 26th seed Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic in Round Two, setting the stage for another showcase of power and precision.
For sports fans worldwide, Zheng’s comeback is a reminder that resilience, fan energy, and mental grit are as crucial as physical skill in shaping a champion’s journey.
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Zheng Qinwen makes triumphant return to tennis court at China Open
cgtn.com
