Zheng Qinwen's live ranking is released! Next round match time confirmed, will face Sabalenka to compete for quarterfinal spot.

On March 23 Beijing time, all matches of the WTA1000 Miami third round have concluded. Chinese star Zheng Qinwen faced Grand Slam champion Keys. Despite losing the first set, Zheng Qinwen rallied to win two consecutive sets, reversing the match 2-1 to defeat her opponent and securing a hard-fought ticket to the round of 16. After this victory, Zheng Qinwen earned 120 points, pushing her live ranking to 30th place. Additionally, Zheng Qinwen's opponent for the fourth round has been confirmed, which is world No. 1 Sabalenka. Their upcoming ninth encounter has sparked intense attention!

Last year, Zheng Qinwen suffered from injury troubles. She forced herself to compete at the China Open, leading to a recurrence of the injury. Consequently, Zheng Qinwen missed this year's Australian Open, resulting in significant point losses. Her world ranking has dropped considerably, even falling out of the top 30. Coming to Miami, Zheng Qinwen is eager to achieve good results. In the second round, she swept Stephens 2-0 cleanly and easily advanced to the round of 32. The third round against Australian Open champion Keys presented a test as she aimed for the round of 16!

Indeed, Keys displayed strong attacking prowess. In the first set, she maintained pressure on both offense and defense, winning 6-4. Subsequently, Zheng Qinwen gradually adjusted herself, playing more proactively, increasing the aggressiveness of her serves, and actively moving her opponent. In the second set, she unleashed full firepower, comfortably leveling the match 6-2. In the decisive set, Zheng Qinwen relied on her formidable fighting spirit to firmly keep Keys under pressure. At crucial moments, she held her nerve and scored steadily, securing the set 6-4. With a total score of 2-1, she reversed the match to eliminate Keys and successfully claimed the round of 16 ticket!

It must be said that Zheng Qinwen's draw is incredibly tough. She has faced Grand Slam champions in three consecutive rounds, having already defeated Stephens and Keys. Next, she will face defending champion Sabalenka for a quarterfinal ticket. Sabalenka is a formidable obstacle for Zheng Qinwen, with a career record of 1 win and 7 losses against her. The two will also meet for their ninth encounter!

For Zheng Qinwen, achieving good results necessitates overcoming these formidable rivals: Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff. Therefore, in this matchup against Sabalenka, although the hope of victory is slim, it is an excellent opportunity for Zheng Qinwen to test her own level. She must go all out to try to win against Sabalenka. Go for it!

By / Sports Story