Zheng Qinwen showcased her resilience at the WTA Finals, securing a crucial 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-1 . victory over World No. 5 Elena Rybakina on Monday in Riyadh. This win not only marks her first triumph over Rybakina in three meetings but also breathes new life into her quest for a semifinal berth.
The first Chinese player to qualify for the WTA Finals since Li Na in 2013, Zheng came into the tournament with momentum, riding a 12-2 win-loss record during the Asian swing. Despite an opening defeat to top-seed Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng rebounded with an impressive display against Rybakina.
The match was a rollercoaster, beginning with a tightly contested first set. Both players brought their power games, with Zheng’s aggressive returns and Rybakina’s booming serves taking center stage. Zheng eventually edged out the tie-break, capitalizing on a Rybakina error to clinch the set.
The second set saw Rybakina rally, breaking Zheng’s serve and taking control. She strung together four consecutive games to level the match, showcasing the formidable form that made her a Grand Slam champion. However, Zheng remained unfazed.
In the decisive third set, Zheng refocused, breaking Rybakina early to take a commanding lead. Her consistency from the baseline and strategic play under pressure helped her seal the set 6-1, handing Rybakina her second loss in the round-robin stage.
“I’m really happy to have won this match,” Zheng said. “She’s one of the greatest players on tour with a huge serve and great groundstrokes. I had to stay really focused, especially on my service games.”
Rybakina, struggling with a series of health issues including allergies and insomnia, found herself eliminated from contention after this defeat, coupled with Sabalenka’s later victory over Jasmine Paolini.
Zheng’s journey in Riyadh reflects her remarkable 2024 season, which includes titles in Palermo, Tokyo, and an Olympic gold medal. Her powerful serve and aggressive play have been key assets, making her a top contender.
Next, Zheng will face Paolini in a winner-takes-all clash to determine who advances to the semifinals. “I’ll keep fighting,” Zheng promised, as she eyes a spot among the elite in the tournament’s final stages.
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