Zheng reaches quarterfinals after thriller against Vekic · tennisnet.com

In a long, high-class and always exciting round of 16 match at the US Open 2024, the Chinese Olympic champion from Paris, Qinwen Zhengagainst her then final opponent Donna Vekic from Croatia this time in three sets.

A repeat of the final of the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris was scheduled for the round of 16 of the 2024 US Open between the then victorious Qinwen Zheng and Donna Vekic. The Chinese were also able to triumph against the Croatian in the group stage on home soil at the 2023 WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai.

Both players immediately found their rhythm on their own serves and were able to hold their serve in the first set. Only Vekic had to fend off two break points in the sixth game. In the tiebreak, the 21-year-old Zheng quickly took a 4-1 lead and carried the advantage to win the first set, in which she was able to win exactly one point more than her 28-year-old opponent.

In the second act, Vekic got off to a better start and was able to win her opponent's first serve, but had to give up her own serve immediately. With the score at 3:2 for the Croatian, the Chinese player started the match with two double faults, but was able to win the match after fending off two break chances. After consistently smooth service games on both sides, the door opened again for Vekic at 5:4. After she was unable to capitalize on two set points, she secured the set tie with a forehand winner.

After both players had left the court to prepare for the deciding round, Zheng seemed to have made better use of the break, which was reflected in the immediate break. Vekic tried everything again and even threw in some moon balls, in the style of Angelique Kerber at the Olympics. Nevertheless, the Chinese player was unstoppable and was able to secure her opponent's serve once again. With a service winner, she secured the 7:6 (2), 4:6, 6:2 victory after 2:51 hours. At 2:15 a.m. local time, which meant a new record, as no women's match at the US Open has ever ended later.

After the match, the winner commented: “While I was able to control the match against her in the Olympic final on clay, she is really difficult to play against on hard court. She constantly put me under pressure. That makes me all the happier that I was able to win the match.”

In the quarterfinals, the world number 7 will face Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament's number 2, who won 6-2, 6-4 against Belgian Elise Mertens.

Here is the individual tableau from New York

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Kerber Angelique

Sabalenka Aryna

Zheng Qinwen

Donna, 25,00 €