Consistent Zheng Qinwen continues impressive form, downs Bianca Andreescu in Rome

Zheng Qinwen secures another strong performance at the Rome Open, defeating Bianca Andreescu 7-5, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the Paris 2024 gold medalist has reached the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event for the third time in her last four appearances.

The Chinese player seems to be returning to the consistency that characterized her in the second half of 2024 and could have a rematch with Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals – her nemesis on the Tour with a 0-6 head-to-head record – although the world No. 1 will first have to beat Marta Kostyuk.

First Set

The world No. 8 started strong in the match, winning 16 of the first 20 points played. Andreescu conceded an early break and took several minutes to find her rhythm. When the score was already 0-3, 0-40, Andreescu began to look more precise, sustaining rallies better against Zheng, who started making more unforced errors.

While Zheng sought to take the initiative, Andreescu defended well from the baseline, fighting to keep the ball in play for as long as possible, which ultimately helped her recover the break. However, the set was a rollercoaster, with both players exchanging breaks again, reaching 4-4.

Double faults ended up costing Zheng a break that gave 'Bibi' the advantage and the opportunity to serve to close out the set. However, the Chinese player showed resilience at the most complicated moment, saving two set points against her and breaking back to equalize at 5-5. At the end of the set, she stepped on the gas and this time took her set points in the final moments, taking the set 7-5 with a late break.

Second Set

High shots were a constant tactic for Andreescu, seeking to prevent Zheng from hitting comfortably with her forehand. However, the Chinese player managed well to maintain the rallies and gradually reduce unforced errors on those types of balls.

Increasingly aggressive, Zheng had a dominant start to the second set, winning 18 of the first 23 points played. The Chinese player this time secured two consecutive breaks and in a few minutes moved ahead 4-0. Andreescu tried to come back into the match and took advantage of her first break opportunity to reduce the deficit. However, it was not enough against a convincing Zheng, who showed why she is one of the best players on clay courts and secured the victory 6-4, 6-1.

Match Statistics Andreescu vs. Zheng