By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 13, 2024
Zheng Qinwen couldn’t discover a approach 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 believed the match right this moment 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.”
In the long run Zheng, her personal finest critic, gave herself a “5 or 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 in opposition to the three-time main champion.
“I believe watching the match, it turned extra clear right this moment,” the World No.7 mentioned. “At essential 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 turned conservative made extra unforced errors. She pressured me to see a number of the weaknesses in my techniques. 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 nicely.
“She positively improved,” she instructed reporters, referring to Zheng’s kind in 2023. “There’s extra consistency in her recreation. In all probability enjoying a bit of bit extra aggressive. I believe she improved her backhand a bit of bit. There are positively enhancements. She’s transferring nicely, serving nicely. I see the enhancements.
“I am actually glad that also with these enhancements I can 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 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.”
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