In a remarkable display of prowess and resilience, the tennis world witnessed a star on the rise as Zheng Qinwen emerged as the youngest female player from mainland China to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the US Open. The evening of Monday became a testament to her skills and determination, signifying a monumental moment in her career and the annals of Chinese tennis.
At just 20 years of age, Zheng exhibited maturity beyond her years on the court. In a decisive match, she stunned last year’s finalist and the fifth-seeded, Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, with an impressive 6-2, 6-4 victory. This achievement was not only a personal best for Zheng, marking her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal entry but also her maiden win against a player ranked in the world’s top 10 during a Grand Slam.
Zheng’s journey at the US Open has earned her a place among the elite, becoming the fourth woman from China to grace the US Open quarterfinals in the Open Era. Yet, the challenge continues to mount as she prepares to lock horns with the prospective world No.1, Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, in an anticipated semifinal clash.
Her assertive gameplay has already etched its mark on this Grand Slam. Flushing Meadows witnessed another historic moment when both Zheng and her compatriot, Wang Xinyu, progressed to the Round of 16 in the same tournament year.
Expressing her exhilaration, Zheng commented post-match, “The feeling was simply incredible. This victory feels like a significant breakthrough in my journey.” Her tremendous strides on the court are not just a product of natural talent but also the result of her collaboration with the seasoned coach, Wim Fissette. Fissette’s esteemed guidance has previously catapulted several tennis stars, including Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, and Angelique Kerber, to Grand Slam successes. Zheng’s alliance with the veteran coach, which began just before the grass season in June, has indeed been transformative. “He has brought a newfound stability to my game. My on-court composure has greatly improved under his mentorship,” she remarked.
The excitement and admiration for her achievements weren’t confined to the court. Social media platforms, especially Sina Weibo, were abuzz with accolades and congratulatory messages for the rising tennis sensation. The US Open’s official Sina Weibo account crowned her as the “queen of the day,” and fans affectionately nicknamed her “Queenwen” in English.
Her meteoric ascent in the tennis realm was further evidenced when she bagged the WTA newcomer of the year award in 2022. Her debut year saw her competing in all four Grand Slam events, and she notably advanced to the French Open’s last 16, only to be bested by the eventual champion, Iga Swiatek of Poland. Given her current trajectory, the tennis community eagerly awaits more such thrilling performances from Zheng in the years to come.
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