Zheng Qinwen advances to WTA Finals semi-finals with dominant win over Paolini
Zheng Qinwen continued her stellar 2023 season, advancing to the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Wednesday after a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini. The Olympic gold medallist from China, seeded seventh, sealed the win in just 67 minutes, marking her 30th victory in her last 35 matches.
In the final day of Purple Group round-robin action, Zheng and Paolini were competing for the second semi-final berth behind Aryna Sabalenka, who had already qualified. Zheng, with one loss to Sabalenka and a victory over Elena Rybakina earlier in the week, locked down her semi-final spot with her emphatic win over Paolini, making her the first Chinese player since Li Na in 2013 to reach the WTA Finals semi-finals.
Reflecting on her performance, Zheng said, “It was 11 years ago, I’m really proud I could make it. I didn’t know what to expect coming to these WTA Finals for the first time. I was in a very difficult group.” She added, “It’s one of the best performances I had during this year.”
Zheng fired 12 aces and powered past Paolini, who remains in Riyadh to contest the doubles semi-finals with Italian partner Sara Errani.
(Source: AFP)
