Zheng Qinwen showcased her exceptional skill on clay by winning nine of her last ten matches, culminating in a solid victory over Bianca Andreescu with a score of 7-5, 6-1 in the Round of 16 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. As she prepares to face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, fans are abuzz about the matchup between these top-tier players.
Sabalenka, who holds a commanding 6-0 advantage in head-to-head encounters against Zheng, is coming off an impressive streak, having claimed 15 consecutive match wins during WTA 1000 events. Sabalenka recently triumphed over Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round, demonstrating her fierce playing style and resilience by saving multiple break points and a set point during a prolonged second set.
While Sabalenka’s dominance cannot be undermined, Zheng’s confidence on clay is noteworthy. In recent years, she has quietly emerged as a formidable contender on this surface, recently tallying an impressive 13-match winning streak that included significant performances at major tournaments. It’s worth noting that in the last three years, only a few players have reached more clay-court quarterfinals than Zheng, highlighting her capability on this surface.
Another exciting quarterfinal features Coco Gauff facing off against Mirra Andreeva, where Gauff has a slight edge, leading their encounters 3-0. Gauff’s quickness and defensive skills have made her a fan favorite, and her recent performance against Emma Raducanu showcased her ability to adapt and excel under challenging conditions.
Andreeva, despite being winless against Gauff, has displayed tremendous growth and resilience, finishing strong against Clara Tauson in her last match. Her coach, Conchita Martínez, will surely provide insights to help Andreeva apply pressure early in their upcoming clash.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how these matches unfold, with hopes high for both Zheng and Gauff as they aim for success in this prestigious event. The atmosphere at Foro Italico promises to be electric, and with young talent like Zheng and Gauff on display, the future of women’s tennis looks incredibly bright.