By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 13, 2024
Zheng Qinwen couldn’t discover a option to get previous Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s Wuhan ultimate, however the rising Chinese language lastly took a set off of her rival, and feels good in regards to the enhancements she made after shedding to the Belarusian in straight units of their first three conferences.
“I believed the match right now was higher than final time,” she stated, referring to her loss to Sabalenka on this yr’s US Open quarterfinal (received by Sabalenka, 6-1, 6-2). “I see there are locations I want to enhance.”
In the long run Zheng, her personal finest critic, gave herself a “5 or 6 out of ten” for Sunday’s efficiency.
Although she stated she has been feeling below the climate for the final two weeks, Zheng nonetheless confirmed great battle as she pushed Sabalenka to a decider on Sunday. She believes that she is making inroads towards the three-time main champion.
“I feel watching the match, it turned extra clear right now,” the World No.7 stated. “At crucial factors on this match, I want to extend my velocity. I used to be just a little bit conservative. The shaking of my racquet after I turned conservative made extra unforced errors. She pressured me to see a few of the weaknesses in my ways. I actually sit up for coaching. I sit up for the following match towards her.”
Sabalenka has taken notes of the strides that Zheng is making as nicely.
“She undoubtedly improved,” she instructed reporters, referring to Zheng’s type in 2023. “There’s extra consistency in her sport. Most likely enjoying just a little bit extra aggressive. I feel she improved her backhand just a little bit. There are undoubtedly enhancements. She’s shifting nicely, serving nicely. I see the enhancements.
“I am actually glad that also with these enhancements I can get these wins towards her.”
22-year-old Zheng, coached by Pere Riba, says she is wanting ahead to closing the hole within the months and years to come back.
“After this loss, I am feeling excited as a result of I’m doing higher every time,” she stated. “There’s extra room for enchancment. I hope that I can shut the hole and in addition can overcome this problem.”