Massive-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 crushed 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 mentioned on court docket. “Really good percentage of first serves. I enjoyed a lot tonight to play here.”
Zheng received 77 per cent of her first-serve factors as she turned the second Chinese language girl to achieve the final 4 of the WTA Finals after Li Na.
“(This was) almost 11 years ago. I’m proud I could make it,” Zheng mentioned.
“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 time, 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 prime 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 last 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,” mentioned 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 take on the winner of the Orange Group in the semi-finals on Friday.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports 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 action)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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