World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced a surprising exit from the Italian Open after suffering a straight sets defeat at the hands of China’s Zheng Qinwen during their quarter-final match. This defeat marks a significant moment in Sabalenka’s career as it is the first time that she has lost to Zheng in all seven encounters they’ve had thus far. The significance of this match extends beyond a mere upset, showcasing the competitive nature of women’s tennis and the rise of new talents in the sport.
In the match that took place at the renowned Foro Italico in Rome, the opening games were characterized by a closely contested level of play, with both competitors displaying strong performances. However, the pivotal moment came in the fifth game when Zheng broke Sabalenka’s serve to take a 3-2 lead. This breakthrough was crucial, as it allowed Zheng to seize not just a physical advantage but also a psychological edge over the visibly frustrated Sabalenka. With her steady and methodical style of play, Zheng maintained the pressure, eventually securing the first set 6-4.
The momentum was further solidified when Zheng executed a solid break at the start of the second set, catching Sabalenka off-guard and delivering yet another blow to her confidence. Even with the intensity of the match escalating and moments of tension creeping in, Zheng held her nerve expertly. She not only kept her focus but also delivered a decisive break in the final game of the set, sealing her victory with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Post-match, Zheng expressed her thoughts to Sky Sports, reflecting on her strategy. “I just tried to do what I had to do on court and play more consistently,” she stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match. She also addressed some of the personal struggles she faced earlier in the season, specifically with an arm injury that had hindered her performance. “At the beginning of the year I had some struggles with my arm, but now I’m perfectly in shape,” she concluded, signaling a return to her best form.
For Aryna Sabalenka, the defeat at the Italian Open marked the end of an impressive run, as she had been riding a wave of momentum with eight consecutive victories prior to this match. Sabalenka showcased exceptional skill throughout the year, reaching six finals and claiming titles in tournaments such as Brisbane and Miami. Her last appearance before the Italian Open was at the Madrid Open, where she triumphed over American player Coco Gauff in the final. The pair came close to redefining each other’s career trajectories during their last encounter at the 2024 season-ending WTA finals in Riyadh, where Gauff emerged victorious after a strenuous three-set battle.
In her post-match reflections, Zheng expressed anticipation about her upcoming matches, particularly when asked about her potential clash against experienced players. “I think the game on clay will be much more physical and I’m expecting a tough match,” she noted, emphasizing both her respect for her opponents and her commitment to fighting until the very end. Zheng acknowledged Sabalenka’s prowess on clay, which adds a layer of complexity to any match against her.
As the competition in Rome continues, the other semi-final matchup features Italy’s Jasmine Paolini going head to head against America’s Peyton Stearns. Paolini’s home-court advantage promises to draw significant support from local fans, further intensifying the atmosphere at Foro Italico. Following these semi-finals, the winners will face off in the highly anticipated final set to take place on Saturday, May 17.
For tennis aficionados, the excitement is far from over, with the opportunity to catch the 2025 French Open live on TNT Sports and discovery+, reinforcing the ongoing thrill of watching world-class tennis.