WTA Finals: Zheng thumps Paolini to make semi-finals
The No 7 seed from China smashed 12 aces to dish out breadsticks against the Italian on Wednesday
Qinwen Zheng – WTA Finals 2024
Image Credit: Chine Nouvelle/ SIPA
Chinese Zheng Qinwen thumped Italian Jasmine Paolini on Wednesday (November 6) 6-1, 6-1 in a Purple Group encounter of the 2024 WTA Finals at the King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to book her ticket to the semi-finals of the competition.
Zheng needed only 68 minutes to go through Paolini, who committed 22 unforced errors and held serve only twice during the match as the Chinese converted five of the eight break points she created.
The No 7 seed finished with a staggering 12 aces — the last coming on the match point — 24 winners and a 100 percent average on break-point saves to cross the finish line.
Set 1: Zheng destroys Paolini’s serve
Zheng came out all guns blazing in the opening set as she didn’t let Paolini hold a serve except in the first game, meanwhile keeping her serve unchallenged throughout.
Though the Italian landed 61 percent of her first serves to Zheng’s 56 percent, the Chinese averaged 90 percent on the first-serve points whereas her opponent could win only 45 percent of those points.
The No 7 seed smashed five aces, 13 winners, and benefitted from Paolini’s 12 unforced errors to take the lead.
Set 2: Zheng continues the onslaught
The second set unfolded in a similar fashion with Paolini holding serve only once, in the second game. Zheng threatened a break to love in the fourth game but her opponent rallied to save two break points, however, couldn’t do it on the third.
The Chinese secured the double break in the sixth game but found herself facing a break point in trying to serve out the match. She managed to save it nonetheless and cashed in on the first match point later.
Zheng added seven aces and 11 winners to her tally in the set to become the first Chinese woman to make the knockouts of the season-ending championships since her compatriot Li Na did it in 2013.
“It’s almost 11 years ago, I’m proud I could make it,” Zheng said after the win. “I didn’t know what would happen when I came here because it’s my first time. I just told myself to enjoy. 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.”
WTA Finals 2024 standings
- Purple Group (Wins/Losses)
- Aryna Sabalenka (2/0)
- Zheng Qinwen (2/1)
- Jasmine Paolini (1/2)
- Elena Rybakina (0/2)
Sabalenka and Zheng have qualified for the semi-finals from Purple Group.
- Orange Group (Wins/Losses)
- Coco Gauff (2/0)
- Barbora Krejcikova (1/1)
- Iga Swiatek (1/1)
- Jessica Pegula (0/2)
