Zheng Qinwen Advances at Wuhan Open, Pursues WTA Finals Qualification

WUHAN, China – Zheng Qinwen, currently ranked as the world No. 7 in women’s tennis, celebrated a significant milestone at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, claiming her first main-draw victory at her home tournament. The match, played on Wednesday night, saw Zheng defeating Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian with a score of 6-2, 6-4.

With this victory, Zheng marked her 40th triumph of the Hologic WTA Tour season, becoming the first Chinese woman to achieve such a feat since Li Na in 2013. The 22-year-old not only secured a place in the tournament’s Round of 16 but also advanced in the global standings, reinforcing her position in the PIF Race to the WTA Finals Leaderboard.

Following this victory, Zheng is set to face Leylah Fernandez, a Canadian player who has previously held a 2-0 record over her. Zheng’s journey through the tournament is part of her effort to become the first Chinese woman to qualify for the WTA Finals since Li Na’s historical run in 2013. Currently, she stands at No. 8 in the Race Leaderboard, striving to surpass Emma Navarro, who occupies the seventh spot.

Adding to the significance of her performance, Zheng has struck nine aces during her 1-hour and 42-minute match, further solidifying her record of leading the tour with 345 aces this year. “After the Olympics, I’ve had a really busy schedule,” Zheng remarked, acknowledging the mental fatigue accumulated over a packed season. Yet she remains motivated, especially given her playing at home in Wuhan, a city she moved to from Shiyan for training at a young age.

On the sidelines of Zheng’s achievements, Jessica Pegula also made headlines by advancing to the tournament’s Round of 16 after a match with Anastasia Potapova, who retired due to a right ankle injury. Pegula is scheduled to compete against Wang Xinyu next.

Earlier this week, Zheng had already drawn media attention not just for her on-court performance but for her growing celebrity status in China, where she celebrated her 22nd birthday. “I can feel the passion already when I’m walking on the street,” Zheng shared, referencing the enthusiastic response from fans. Despite the pressures of fame, she remains focused on balancing her public persona and tennis career.