Qinwen Zheng reached the Tokyo Open quarter-finals following a victory over Moyuka Uchijima.
Following a tight first set in which she reached double digits in unforced errors, the 22-year-old found her stride in set two and won the last nine games of the match.
Zheng’s 7-5, 6-0 win means she has set up a quarter-final clash in the Japanese capital with Leylah Fernandez.
This will take place just two weeks after they played one another in the last 16 at the Wuhan Open, and it was a feisty affair.
WUHAN, CHINA – OCTOBER 10: Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts in her match against Qinwen Zheng of China in the Women’s Singles Round of 16 match during the day sixth of the 2024 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 10, 2024 in Wuhan, China. (Photo by Wang He/Getty Images)
What did Qinwen Zheng say about facing Leylah Fernandez at the Japan Open?
Qinwen Zheng dropped just four points behind her first serve during her first ever meeting against Moyuka Uchijima
She also won 50% of her second serve points as the Olympic champion began her Japan Open campaign with a straight sets win.
She is now ready to face Fernandez once again, following the heated clash at the Wuhan Open. “I’ll try and give my best and let’s see,” Zheng said of her next opponent.
“Next round I play against a great opponent. I just played against her in Wuhan and it was a tough match, so I just have to fight.”
She added: “I think she’s a really good player, and she has a different game style compared to the others. She takes the ball really early, so you don’t have too much time between the shots.
Qinwen Zheng, the rising star of Chinese tennis, has once again demonstrated her skill and resilience, advancing to the Tokyo Open quarter-finals with a strong victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima. This win, secured with a 7-5, 6-0 scoreline, highlights Zheng’s adaptability and mental toughness, as she rebounded from a challenging first set to ultimately dominate the second, winning nine consecutive games to seal the match.
The Tokyo Open’s fast-paced hard courts presented a unique challenge for both players. Despite an unsteady start, marked by a significant number of unforced errors, Zheng quickly adjusted her strategy in the second set. Her ability to control the pace and find her rhythm was evident as she claimed 50% of her second-serve points, while also allowing only four points behind her first serve.
At just 22 years old, Zheng is already proving to be a formidable force on the court, with fans and commentators alike noting her development into a consistent competitor. Her upcoming quarter-final opponent, Leylah Fernandez, is no stranger to Zheng. The two faced off just weeks earlier in a heated match at the Wuhan Open, where Zheng ultimately prevailed in a close contest. Fernandez, a highly skilled Canadian player known for her speed and early shot-taking, presents a different kind of challenge for Zheng due to her ability to dictate rallies and disrupt her opponent’s timing.
Reflecting on her upcoming rematch with Fernandez, Zheng expressed respect for her rival’s skill and the unique dynamics Fernandez brings to the game. “Next round I play against a great opponent,” Zheng stated confidently. “I just played against her in Wuhan and it was a tough match, so I just have to fight.” Acknowledging Fernandez’s distinctive style, she continued, “I think she’s a really good player, and she has a different game style compared to the others. She takes the ball really early, so you don’t have too much time between the shots.” This match will be another opportunity for Zheng to showcase her adaptability and determination as she looks to build on her growing reputation in the sport.
Zheng’s journey to this point has been marked by hard work and resilience, which is evident in her remarkable improvements this season. Her Tokyo Open campaign demonstrates her growth, not only in terms of skill but also in terms of mental tenacity. The Tokyo crowd has embraced Zheng, whose spirited performance has captivated the audience and brought new attention to the rising generation of tennis players from Asia.
The upcoming quarter-final promises an exciting showdown as two of the most talented young players in women’s tennis face off once again. Both Zheng and Fernandez have been gaining prominence, with each encounter adding a new layer to their budding rivalry. This rematch is highly anticipated, not only because of their recent encounter in Wuhan but also due to the contrast in their playing styles. Fernandez’s swift, aggressive approach will challenge Zheng to stay sharp and maintain the momentum she built against Uchijima. Meanwhile, Zheng’s powerful serve and disciplined baseline game will aim to keep Fernandez on the defensive.
Zheng’s Tokyo Open run has not only put her skill and strategy in the spotlight but also underscored her potential to become one of the sport’s breakout stars. Her growing consistency and resilience in the face of challenging matchups signal a promising future for the young athlete.