Zheng Qinwen reveals details of heated confrontation with Leylah Fernandez's father after repeated distractions during Wuhan Open clash
Zheng Qinwen and Leylah Fernandez appeared to have a tense moment during their third-round match at the Wuhan Open. Later, the Chinese player disclosed that she was distracted by Fernandez's father, who was cheering from the player’s box.
Fernandez started the game on a strong note and won the first set. At 1-1 in the second set, the play was disturbed after Zheng was spotted having a conversation with Fernandez's box. Later, the Canadian asked the fifth seed what she had said, and the conversation was then taken to the umpire.
However, after this, Fernandez won only two more games in the match with Zheng outclassing her 5-7, 6-3, 6-0. During a post-match interview, Zheng opened up about the issues she faced during the match.
"Actually, I was distracted in the first set by what [Fernandez's father] was saying because Leylah was on the other side. He was always talking, 'C'mon, c'mon,' before I started to return. That's why I think I lost the game when I was 30-Love because I was a little bit distracted," Zheng Qinwen said (translated from Chinese).
She added that Fernandez's father, Jorge, who is also her coach, continued to cheer the same way. The Chinese was also facing trouble with stomach pains.
"After that he continued doing. Plus the pain I had in the stomach, the fight against the opponent. One moment I cannot hold more. I said to him, You must to talk before I start to return?"
"But, I mean, after that actually I start to feel better because is what I have in my heart. I didn't say anything unrespectful. I just say what I feel without bad word," she added.
Further, Zheng admitted it was difficult to maintain her focus, especially in the first set. She expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that despite the physical challenges and distractions on the court, she managed to raise her level and was happy to come out with the win.
Zheng Qinwen to play Wang Xinyu in Wuhan Open SF after defeating Leylah Fernandez and Jasmine Paolini
Zheng Qinwen took on third-seed Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinal of the Wuhan Open after defeating Leylah Fernandez in the third round. The Chinese was forced to go the distance but got the better of the Italian 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and qualified for the semifinal.
The 21-year-old will face her 23-year-old compatriot Wang Xinyu in the semifinal. Wang got the better of second seed Jessica Pegula in the third round and Ekaterina Alexandrova in the quarterfinal.
This will be the first battle between the Chinese players in the first-ever all-Chinese semi-final at a WTA 1000 event.