"Iga Swiatek scammed once again"; "Aryna Sabalenka getting whacked" - Fans shocked as Zheng Qinwen beats top 2 to win 'Fan Favorite' at WTA Awards

Tennis fans were shocked after Zheng Qinwen beat Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to claim the title of Fan Favorite Singles player at the prestigious WTA Awards. In 2024, Zheng faced Sabalenka four times on the WTA Tour and went up against Swiatek thrice.

Recently, the announcement of the fan awards by the WTA saw Zheng Qinwen clinch the 'Fan Favorite Singles' award, surpassing the likes of World No.1, Aryna Sabalenka, and World No. 2, Iga Swiatek. This unexpected result left some tennis fans in disbelief, who took to social media to express their shock.

One fan wondered how Iga Swiatek did not receive the award, claiming that she may have been 'scammed.'

“What the h*ll. Iga scammed once again," a fan wrote.

Some fans wrote that Aryna Sabalenka was unjustly deprived of the award.

“Oh Sabalenka getting whacked. Get up Mama 😭 ," a fan wrote.

“No way did Sabalenka entertain us the whole of Madrid and Rome to still lose this?!" a fan posted.

Many fans were puzzled as to how Zheng Qinwen managed to secure the votes for the award.

“Fan favorite?? Who voted for her 😂 😂," a fan wrote.

“Who the f*ck voted for this?" another added.

Several fans mentioned their curiosity about Emma Navarro's reaction to Zheng Qinwen's win, recalling Navarro's previous criticism of Zheng's "cut-throat" approach to the game.

“Someone check [Emma] Navarro 's blood pressure," a fan wrote.

“To be a fly on the wall when Emma Navarro hears the news #WTAAwards #EmmaNavarro," a fan wrote.

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Qinwen Zheng had an exceptional run this year, securing two titles. She defended her title at the Palermo Ladies Open by defeating Karolina Muchova in the final. Following this, the 22-year-old went on to clinch the Japan Women's Open title by triumphing over Sofia Kenin in the championship match. She won the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Donna Vekic.

Zheng also finished as the runner-up at the Australian Open and the WTA Finals, losing to Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, respectively.

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Zheng Qinwen's head-to-head record against Aryna Sabalenka & Iga Swiatek

Zheng Qinwen at WTA Finals 2024 [Source: Getty]

Zheng Qinwen and Aryna Sabalenka have competed against each other five times on the WTA Tour, with Sabalenka emerging victorious on all occasions.

This year, both the players met four times - at the finals of the Australian Open and the Wuhan Open, the quarterfinals of the US Open, and a group stage match at the WTA Finals.

On the other hand, Zheng has faced Iga Swiatek seven times on the WTA Tour and has managed to secure only one victory against the former World No.1 - in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Zheng and Swiatek have played against each other three times this year, competing at the United Cup, Dubai Tennis Championships, and the Olympics.

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