‘I’ve been waiting for this moment’, says China’s Zheng Qinwen after US Open win over Ons Jabeur
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China's Zheng Qinwen saluting the crowd after her match against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia (not pictured) at the US Open.
PHOTO: REUTERS
NEW YORK – Rising Chinese star Zheng Qinwen was thrilled with her “breakthrough” win after reaching her first Grand Slam quarter-final on Monday at the US Open by knocking out 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur.
The 20-year-old’s blend of power and precision overwhelmed a weary Jabeur, the 6-2, 6-4 victory sending the 23rd seed through to a meeting with incoming world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
“Honestly, the feeling was fantastic, especially in that moment. I feel this is like an important win for me. Like you say, it’s a breakthrough,” said Zheng.
“I have always been waiting for this moment to happen. And honestly, at the beginning of year, I’m thinking it’s going to happen very fast.
“I always believe that I’m able to beat everyone if I play the right tennis that I have to play. I believe that if I’m really there fighting for every point, I mean, things (are) going to happen.”
The Chinese earned the WTA Newcomer of the Year award in 2022, winning her debut at all four Grand Slams and making a run to the French Open last 16, before losing in three sets to eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
But she had won just two Grand Slam matches this season before carving out a bit of history in New York, where she and Wang Xinyu became the first two Chinese players to reach the fourth round at the same US Open.
While Wang lost to Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova on Sunday, Zheng became only the fourth Chinese woman to make the last eight at Flushing Meadows – following in the footsteps of Wang Qiang, Peng Shuai and Li Na.
Zheng is one of the “Li Na generation” of young players who took up tennis after the success of China’s first Grand Slam singles champion, who won the French Open in 2011 when Zheng was eight.
“When she won the French Open... the first Asian who won a Grand Slam, that give a lot (of inspiration) to young kids, especially for me,” Zheng reflected.
“In that moment, I start to think, ‘Oh, as an Asian, we also able to win a Grand Slam at a big stage like that’.
“Before that, tennis isn’t so popular in China. I mean, my parents doesn’t know what is tennis before I start to play.
“After Li Na, tennis become more popular sport in China.
“Thanks to her a lot. She also put a dream seed in my heart that I want to become like that.”
Li also won the 2014 Australian Open, months after her final US Open ended with a defeat in the semi-finals.
As Zheng closes in on the trailblazing Li’s best Flushing Meadows performance, it was clear she strives to emulate and, perhaps, one day surpass the achievements of Asia’s first Grand Slam singles champion.
Standing in her way next is Sabalenka, who will replace outgoing champion Swiatek at the top of the rankings after the tournament, but Zheng is not one to shy away from a challenge.
“Of course, the opponent will also play good. There is going to be lot of competition,” Zheng said.
“You can never say that (there is a clear winner), but we will see.”
Zheng Qinwen’s blend of power and precision overwhelmed a weary Ons Jabeur.
PHOTO: AFP
Second seed Sabalenka eased past Russia’s Daria Kasatkina
Also on Monday, American third seed Jessica Pegula was routed 6-1, 6-3 by compatriot Madison Keys.
Pegula’s campaign came to an abrupt halt in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium as 2017 US Open finalist Keys won in just 61 minutes.
Pegula was left with no answer as Keys unleashed a stream of 21 winners to her six.
AFP
