Zheng Qinwen Takes Down World No. 1 Sabalenka to Advance to Italian Open Semifinals

In a momentous match at the Italian Open, China's Zheng Qinwen achieved an impressive milestone by defeating the world's top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka, in straight sets. This victory is significant not only because it represents her first win against Sabalenka after losing their previous six matches, but it also highlights her growth as a competitor on the WTA circuit. Zheng expressed her exhilaration post-match, stating, "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's former coach, Pan Shouhu, commented on her performance, noting that her regained confidence was crucial for success at this high level of play. He emphasized that in competitive tennis, confidence could surpass technical skills, and if Zheng continues to play assertively, she will be well-equipped to tackle future challenges. The match unfolded with both players initially holding serve, but Zheng took the upper hand by breaking Sabalenka's serve and ultimately winning the first set 6-4. In the second set, she maintained her form, breaking Sabalenka again and securing a 6-3 victory.

Reflecting on her previous encounters with Sabalenka, Zheng acknowledged that in the past, she struggled to fully express her potential, often feeling overshadowed by the opponent's status as a Grand Slam champion. This time, she recognized the importance of not being intimidated and focused on her strengths by attacking Sabalenka's vulnerabilities.

Looking ahead, Zheng will face US star Coco Gauff, who has also shown impressive form on clay. Sports commentators are keenly anticipating this match, as both players have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season. Zheng's ability to control the tempo of the game and maintain composure during critical moments will be pivotal as she aims for her first WTA 1000 singles title. Liu Yu, a sports commentator, noted the importance of adaptability and mental strength in this upcoming clash, indicating that Zheng’s maturity from previous competitions will play a significant role in her performance against Gauff.