Big-serving Qinwen Zheng blasted her way into the final four of the WTA Finals in Riyadh with victory over Jasmine Paolini.
It was a straight fight for second place in the Purple Group behind Aryna Sabalenka, with both Zheng and Paolini having lost to the world No 1 and beaten Elena Rybakina.
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Zheng says the more she has played through the tournament the better she is getting after her victory over Paolini
But the one-sided contest lasted only 67 minutes, with Chinese debutante Zheng racing to a 6-1 6-1 win.
“It’s one of the best performances I had during this year,” she said on court. “Really good percentage of first serves. I enjoyed a lot tonight to play here.”
Zheng won 77 per cent of her first-serve points as she became the second Chinese woman to reach the last four of the WTA Finals after Li Na.
“(This was) almost 11 years ago. I’m proud I could make it,” Zheng said.
“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here because it’s my first time. I just told myself to enjoy it. Especially because I’m in a really difficult group. Thanks to all the fans who came to watch me tonight. Thanks for all your support.”
Paolini, runner-up at both French Open and Wimbledon this summer, was unable to cope with the power of her opponent, who hit 27 winners, including 11 aces.
The Paris Olympics champion finishes second in the purple round-robin group behind top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who secured her semi-final berth by beating Paolini 6-3 7-5 on Monday to stay unbeaten.
The world No 1 faces fifth seed Elena Rybakina in her final group match later on Wednesday.
‘Zheng has played her way into form’
Gigi Salmon is joined by Laura Robson and Tim Henman for coverage from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tim Henman on Sky Sports Tennis
“That was an absolute masterclass. From start to finish it was complete domination,” said the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist.
“The first serve was so aggressive. Hitting her spots, a lot of aces. I mean she’s hit the most aces on Tour and it’s a huge weapon.
“Zheng is crushing forehand and backhands on either wing. She’ll take huge confidence going forward. She’s played her way into form.”
Zheng will now take on the winner of the Orange Group in the semi-finals on Friday.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9 – Cameron Norrie in action)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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