"Thank you on winning the gold medal" - Aryna Sabalenka credits Zheng Qinwen's Paris Olympics 2024 success for tennis' rising popularity in China
Aryna Sabalenka has qualified for yet another final at the Wuhan Open after defeating Coco Gauff in the semifinals of this year's edition. The Belarusian sang praises of her next opponent, Zheng Qinwen, crediting the Chinese star for transforming tennis in her nation.
Sabalenka faced Gauff in the semifinals of the 2024 Wuhan Open on October 12, and the American got off the blocks quickly. Gauff mustered a set and break advantage before her form tapered off drastically, and Sabalenka took advantage.
The Belarusian raised her level to reverse the deficit in the second set and closed out the match in the third set 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. Sabalenka benefitted immensely from Gauff's 21 double faults en route to her seventh final of 2024. During the post-match interview, the World No. 2 was asked about her thoughts after becoming the first player to reach three consecutive finals at the Wuhan Open.
Aryna Sabalenka won the tournament back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. She expressed her love for the city and the fans who have propelled her to yet another title contest. Moreover, the three-time Grand Slam champion gave a special shoutout to Zheng Qinwen for helping raise tennis' status in China, especially on the back of her gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"That sounds really crazy and I love this place. Thank you so much Qinwen, on winning the the gold medal. I feel like tennis in China is getting more and more popular and the full crowds, it's really enjoyable playing in front of you. I'm really happy to be in the final and it's one more to go and I'll give everything. I have to [in order] to win this beautiful trophy for the third time," Sabalenka said.
Aryna Sabalenka remains undefeated against Zheng Qinwen ahead of Wuhan Open showdown
Aryna Sabalenka will be the firm favorite in the final of the 2024 Wuhan Open, where she will face Zheng Qinwen. The Belarusian has a perfect record against the Chinese No. 1, defeating her in their three contests (2023 US Open quarterfinal, 2024 Australian Open final, and 2024 US Open quarterfinal) in straight sets.
Sabalenka's ruthlessness has led to Chinese fans calling her the mountain Zheng is yet to overcome. Before the Wuhan Open, the Belarusian stated that she was pleased to learn about the nickname and hoped to remain an insurmountable opponent for the Chinese star.
"It's nice to hear that! And it just means that I’m on the right way and I will continue working to make sure she cannot overcome this mountain," Aryna Sabalenka said.
Zheng Qinwen has made the best of the home support during the two WTA 1000 tournaments in China this year. She reached her maiden WTA 1000 semifinal at the China Open in Beijing and has done better at the Wuhan Open by reaching the final after defeating compatriot Wang Xinyu in the final four.