Zheng Qinwen continued her impressive 2023 season by defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 7-5 in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals, securing a spot in the final. The 22-year-old Chinese player, who reached the Australian Open final and won Olympic gold earlier in the year, is now poised to add another significant title to her resume. Zheng's victory in Riyadh marks a key milestone in her breakthrough year, where she has shown both skill and resilience on the court.
In the semi-final, Zheng held a commanding double-break lead in the second set before Krejcikova mounted a comeback, leveling the score at 3-3. Despite the setback, Zheng found her rhythm again, showcasing her mental toughness and closing out the match. "It feels so special—being in the final feels unbelievable," Zheng said after the match. "It was a hard match for me, but it shows I am mentally strong in that moment."
Zheng's performance in Riyadh has captivated both tennis fans and Chinese supporters, with a large contingent cheering her on throughout her matches. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, Zheng’s game was on full display as she dominated the early exchanges against Krejcikova. Despite a brief lapse in form, which included frustrations with a disrupted service game, Zheng held her composure and sealed the match with a well-placed backhand return.
Zheng’s win makes her only the second Asian player after her idol Li Na to reach the WTA Finals’ championship match. She will face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who previously defeated her in the round-robin stage, or American Coco Gauff in Saturday's final. Regardless of the opponent, Zheng’s run in Saudi Arabia has already been a significant achievement in her young career.
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