By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 13, 2024
Zheng Qinwen couldn’t discover a strategy to get previous Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s Wuhan remaining, however the rising Chinese language lastly took a set off of her rival, and feels good in regards to the enhancements she made after dropping to the Belarusian in straight units of their first three conferences.
“I assumed the match at the moment was higher than final time,” she stated, referring to her loss to Sabalenka on this 12 months’s US Open quarterfinal (gained by Sabalenka, 6-1, 6-2). “I see there are locations I would like to enhance.”
Ultimately 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 beneath the climate for the final two weeks, Zheng nonetheless confirmed large battle 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 grew to become extra clear at the moment,” the World No.7 stated. “At important factors on this match, I would like to extend my velocity. I used to be a bit of bit conservative. The shaking of my racquet after I grew to become conservative made extra unforced errors. She pressured me to see a few of the weaknesses in my techniques. I actually sit up for coaching. I sit up for the following match in opposition to her.”
Sabalenka has taken notes of the strides that Zheng is making as effectively.
“She positively improved,” she advised reporters, referring to Zheng’s type in 2023. “There may be extra consistency in her recreation. In all probability taking part in a bit of bit extra aggressive. I believe she improved her backhand a bit of bit. There are positively enhancements. She’s transferring effectively, serving effectively. 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 wanting 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 stated. “There’s extra room for enchancment. I hope that I can shut the hole and in addition can overcome this problem.”