China’s rising tennis star Zheng Qinwen saw her BNP Paribas Open journey end in the quarterfinals after a tough 6-3, 6-3 loss to World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in a match packed with momentum swings and unpredictable weather delays 🌪️.
Despite her powerful baseline game, Zheng struggled to capitalize on break points, converting just 2 out of 5, while Swiatek dominated with a perfect 5/5 break point success rate. The Polish star’s clinical serving—winning 74% of first-serve points—proved decisive in the 1-hour-35-minute duel.
🌦️ Rain couldn’t dampen the drama: After Swiatek surged to a 5-1 lead in the first set, Zheng battled back with a gutsy break and hold. But Swiatek’s composure sealed the set, and a 4-0 second-set lead gave her enough cushion to weather Zheng’s late rally.
🏅 A rematch with stakes: The showdown was a reversal of their 2024 Paris Olympics semifinal, where Zheng shocked Swiatek 6-2, 7-5 en route to gold. This time, Swiatek praised her own adaptability: "When conditions changed with the wind, I had to adjust fast… I’m glad I stayed composed."
Swiatek advances to face Russia’s Mirra Andreeva for a spot in the WTA 1000 final. Meanwhile, Zheng’s Indian Wells run—her best at the tournament—boosts her ranking as she eyes the clay-court season 🌱.
