By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 13, 2024
Zheng Qinwen couldn’t discover a method to get previous Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s Wuhan last, however the rising Chinese language lastly took a set off of her rival, and feels good concerning the enhancements she made after shedding to the Belarusian in straight units of their first three conferences.
“I believed the match at present was higher than final time,” she mentioned, referring to her loss to Sabalenka on this 12 months’s US Open quarterfinal (received by Sabalenka, 6-1, 6-2). “I see there are locations I want to enhance.”
Ultimately Zheng, her personal greatest critic, gave herself a “5 or 6 out of ten” for Sunday’s efficiency.
Although she mentioned she has been feeling beneath the climate for the final two weeks, Zheng nonetheless confirmed large combat as she pushed Sabalenka to a decider on Sunday. She believes that she is making inroads in opposition to the three-time main champion.
“I believe watching the match, it turned extra clear at present,” the World No.7 mentioned. “At essential 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 compelled me to see among the weaknesses in my ways. I actually stay up for coaching. I stay up for the following match in opposition to her.”
Sabalenka has taken notes of the strides that Zheng is making as properly.
“She undoubtedly improved,” she advised reporters, referring to Zheng’s kind in 2023. “There may be extra consistency in her recreation. In all probability enjoying just a little bit extra aggressive. I believe she improved her backhand just a little bit. There are undoubtedly enhancements. She’s transferring properly, serving properly. I see the enhancements.
“I am actually glad that also with these enhancements I will get these wins in opposition to her.”
22-year-old Zheng, coached by Pere Riba, says she is trying 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 mentioned. “There’s extra room for enchancment. I hope that I can shut the hole and in addition can overcome this problem.”
