By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 13, 2024
Zheng Qinwen couldn’t discover a method 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 assumed the match at this time was higher than final time,” she mentioned, 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 would like 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 super battle as she pushed Sabalenka to a decider on Sunday. She believes that she is making inroads towards the three-time main champion.
“I believe watching the match, it grew to become extra clear at this time,” the World No.7 mentioned. “At vital factors on this match, I would like to extend my pace. I used to be a bit bit conservative. The shaking of my racquet after I grew to become conservative made extra unforced errors. She pressured me to see a number of the weaknesses in my ways. I actually look ahead to coaching. I look ahead to the following match towards her.”
Sabalenka has taken notes of the strides that Zheng is making as properly.
“She undoubtedly improved,” she instructed reporters, referring to Zheng’s type in 2023. “There’s extra consistency in her sport. Most likely taking part in a bit bit extra aggressive. I believe she improved her backhand a bit 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 towards her.”
22-year-old Zheng, coached by Pere Riba, says she is trying ahead to closing the hole within the months and years to return.
“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 likewise can overcome this problem.”
