Large-serving Qinwen Zheng blasted her means into the ultimate 4 of the WTA Finals in Riyadh with victory over Jasmine Paolini.
It was a straight combat for second place within the Purple Group behind Aryna Sabalenka, with each Zheng and Paolini having misplaced to the world No 1 and overwhelmed Elena Rybakina.
However the one-sided contest lasted solely 67 minutes, with Chinese language debutante Zheng racing to a 6-1 6-1 win.
“It’s one of the best performances I had during this year,” she stated on court docket. “Really good percentage of first serves. I enjoyed a lot tonight to play here.”
Zheng gained 77 per cent of her first-serve factors as she grew to become the second Chinese language girl to succeed in the final 4 of the WTA Finals after Li Na.
“(This was) almost 11 years ago. I’m proud I could make it,” Zheng stated.
“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here because it’s my first time. I just told myself to enjoy it. Especially because I’m in a really difficult group. Thanks to all the fans who came to watch me tonight. Thanks for all your support.”
Paolini, runner-up at each French Open and Wimbledon this summer season, was unable to deal with the facility of her opponent, who hit 27 winners, together with 11 aces.
The Paris Olympics champion finishes second within the purple round-robin group behind high seed Aryna Sabalenka, who secured her semi-final berth by beating Paolini 6-3 7-5 on Monday to remain unbeaten.
The world No 1 faces fifth seed Elena Rybakina in her remaining group match in a while Wednesday.
‘Zheng has performed her means into type’
Gigi Salmon is joined by Laura Robson and Tim Henman for protection from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tim Henman on Sky Sports activities Tennis
“That was an absolute masterclass. From start to finish it was complete domination,” stated the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist.
“The first serve was so aggressive. Hitting her spots, a lot of aces. I mean she’s hit the most aces on Tour and it’s a huge weapon.
“Zheng is crushing forehand and backhands on both wing. She’ll take large confidence going ahead. She’s performed her means into type.”
Zheng will now tackle the winner of the Orange Group within the semi-finals on Friday.
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9 – Cameron Norrie in motion)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and will likely be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this 12 months at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.
