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 concerning the enhancements she made after shedding to the Belarusian in straight units of their first three conferences.
“I believed the match at this time 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.”
In the long run Zheng, her personal finest critic, gave herself a “5 – 6 out of ten” for Sunday’s efficiency.
Although she mentioned she has been feeling underneath the climate for the final two weeks, Zheng nonetheless confirmed large struggle 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 turned extra clear at this time,” the World No.7 mentioned. “At vital factors on this match, I want to extend my pace. I used to be a bit of bit conservative. The shaking of my racquet after I turned conservative made extra unforced errors. She compelled me to see a few 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 effectively.
“She undoubtedly improved,” she informed reporters, referring to Zheng’s type in 2023. “There’s extra consistency in her recreation. Most likely enjoying a bit of bit extra aggressive. I believe she improved her backhand a bit of bit. There are undoubtedly enhancements. She’s shifting effectively, serving effectively. 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 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.”
