US Open: China’s Zheng Qinwen hails ‘breakthrough’ win over Jabeur after frustrating season
- ‘I know what I’m capable of doing … I’m able to beat everyone if I play the right tennis,’ a confident Zheng says
- Zheng, a member of the ‘Li Na generation’, draws inspiration from the women’s tennis trailblazer
Rising Chinese star Zheng Qinwen reached her first grand slam quarter-final at the US Open after knocking out last year’s runner-up Ons Jabeur, describing it as a “breakthrough” win after enduring her share of frustration this season.
The 20-year-old Zheng’s blend of power and precision overwhelmed a weary Jabeur, her 6-2, 6-4 victory sending the 23rd seed through to a meeting with incoming world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
“Honestly the feeling was fantastic, especially in that moment. I feel this is like an important win for me … it’s a breakthrough,” Zheng said.
“I’ve always been waiting for this moment to happen. Honestly, at the beginning of the year, I’m thinking it’s going to happen very fast.
“Because I’m focusing too much on the result, I lost a little bit of patience in myself, and that’s affected my tennis.”
She earned the WTA newcomer of the year award in 2022, winning her debut at all four majors and making a run to the French Open last 16 before losing in three sets to eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
