China’s Zheng Qinwen recently faced off against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in a thrilling round of 16 match at the WTA 1000 Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha. Despite a commendable effort, Zheng’s highly-anticipated return to the elite tennis circuit ended with a close defeat, with final scores of 6-4, 2-6, 5-7.
This match marked Zheng’s first encounter with a top-three player after a lengthy absence from the sport due to a serious elbow injury that kept her off the court for over four months. Over nearly two hours of intense gameplay, she showcased her resilience by forcing the match into a decisive third set. Zheng delivered an impressive 35 aces across her three matches in Doha, emphasizing her powerful serve and striking abilities even under pressure.
Post-match, Rybakina acknowledged Zheng’s strong start and her ability to deliver incredible shots during critical moments. For Zheng, the experience was invaluable, as she has been eager to return to high-level competitive tennis and gain essential feedback on her game. “When you play a tournament, at least you get feedback from winning or losing, you know where you need to improve,” Zheng remarked, reflecting on her time away from competitive play.
Although her stint in this tournament concluded with a loss, Zheng demonstrated significant potential with her earlier victories against talented players like Sofia Kenin and Alycia Parks, showcasing her readiness to contend at this level again. Looking toward the future, she expressed her determination to maintain her health and strive for further accomplishments in the upcoming season, aiming to surpass her past results: “I will try to make it and it doesn’t matter what happens.”
Zheng’s fighting spirit and commitment to improvement signal a promising path ahead as she continues her journey in professional tennis. Her resilience and drive may very well lead her to achieve her goals in the not-too-distant future.