In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Italian Open, China’s Zheng Qinwen secured her first-ever victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka, triumphing 6-4, 6-3 in the quarter-finals. This landmark win not only propels Zheng into the semi-finals but also marks a significant psychological breakthrough in her burgeoning career.
Overcoming the Mental Barrier
Prior to this match, Zheng had faced Sabalenka six times without success, including a notable loss in the 2024 Australian Open final. Reflecting on these encounters, Zheng admitted that her previous defeats were partly due to the excessive respect she held for Sabalenka. She recalled watching Sabalenka play in 2017 and being advised by her father to study the Belarusian’s formidable forehand and backhand. This admiration, while initially inspiring, became a mental hurdle that affected her performance in subsequent matches.
Mastery on Clay
The quarter-final match in Rome was the first time Zheng and Sabalenka faced each other on a clay surface—a terrain where Zheng feels particularly confident. She emphasized her comfort and patience on clay, attributing these qualities to her improved performance. This victory not only ended Sabalenka’s nine-match winning streak on clay but also signaled Zheng’s readiness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the scoreline of Zheng’s victory over Sabalenka?
A: Zheng defeated Sabalenka with a straight-sets victory, 6-4, 6-3.
Q: How many times had Zheng faced Sabalenka before this win?
A: Prior to this match, Zheng had faced Sabalenka six times and had not secured a win.
Q: What did Zheng attribute her previous losses to?
A: Zheng mentioned that she gave Sabalenka too much respect in the past, which affected her mindset and performance.
Q: Why was this match significant for Zheng?
A: This victory marked Zheng’s first win over a world number one player and ended Sabalenka’s nine-match winning streak on clay.
Q: Who will Zheng face in the semi-finals?
A: Zheng is set to face world number three Coco Gauff in the semi-finals
Conclusion
Zheng Qinwen’s victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Italian Open is more than just a match win; it’s a testament to the power of self-belief and mental resilience. By overcoming the psychological barriers that once hindered her, Zheng has demonstrated her potential to ascend to the pinnacle of women’s tennis. As she prepares to face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, the tennis world watches with anticipation, recognizing that a new contender has firmly established herself among the elite.
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