'This time I’m gonna get it': Zheng Qinwen shares mentality behind beating Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros last year

China’s Zheng Qinwen has opened up about how she managed to beat Poland’s Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros last year. The 24-year-old is defending the French Open title for the third consecutive year. She lifted the last year’s title after beating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-1.

It was Swiatek’s fourth French Open triumph, and she has been unbeaten in the competition since 2021. During that time, the reigning world number five suffered just one defeat while playing at the Roland Garros, which came in the semifinal of the Paris Olympics singles category to China’s Zheng.

In the ongoing competition, Swiatek cemented her place in the quarterfinals after beating Elena Rybakina in the last-16 with a score of 1-6, 6-3, 7-5. On the other hand, Zheng is also taking part in the mega-event and cemented his spot in the last-eight after beating Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-3. Talking after the match, the 22-year-old was asked how she managed to get the better of the Warsaw-born last year. In response to that, Zheng stated that she decided to play aggressively in that fixture, but that happened one year ago. She was also of the opinion that Swiatek is doing ‘amazing’ in the ongoing competition.

“She’s been so successful on clay,” said Zheng. “Especially here at Roland Garros. I remember when I beat her.. actually before entering the match, I said to myself ‘This time I’m gonna get it.’ Because I just had the feeling. Obviously she plays incredible. Last time, I remember how solid I was on court in that match. I almost didn’t give any easy mistakes. Just be there. My ball was really heavy. Playing aggressive at the same time. I felt my serve good that day. That’s one year ago, right now we’re in Roland Garros. I feel she’s doing amazing here. But for me I’ll just keep going. Like I said before, for me I want to stay longer here in Roland Garros.”