In a stirring display of athletic prowess at the Miami Open, Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen is steadily reclaiming her formidable form. The 22-year-old tennis star overcame 90th-ranked Taylor Townsend with an impressive 6-1 7-6 (3) victory, securing her spot in the tournament’s round-of-16.
Throughout the high-intensity match, Zheng demonstrated exceptional command over her serves. She successfully won an astonishing 88 percent of her first serve points, skillfully denying Townsend even a single break point. The 2024 Australian Open runner-up also leveraged two out of her three break point opportunities, further solidifying her stronghold in the game.
The initial phase of the match saw Zheng asserting dominance, clinching the first five games before serving her way to victory in the seventh game. Townsend attempted a comeback in the second set, holding her serves firm. However, Zheng’s relentless intensity during the tie-break saw her surge ahead 5-0, before she seized her third match point.
The next challenge for Zheng lies in the form of Ashlyn Krueger, a player she previously defeated on her journey to her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open last year.
Zheng’s recent performances have showcased a marked improvement since the return of her coach, Pere Riba. The young athlete had a rocky start to 2025, with a disappointing 1-3 record during Riba’s absence. However, since the Spanish coach’s return to her team at Indian Wells, Zheng has enjoyed a triumphant run, winning five of her last six games.
Reflecting on the impact of Riba’s return, Zheng highlighted his influence in pushing her limits on the court. His absence led to a challenging period for her, marked by physical struggles and a decline in practice intensity. However, with Riba back on the team, Zheng’s performance appears to be back on the upward trajectory.
As Zheng continues to mirror her 2024 form, she emerges as a strong favorite to triumph over Krueger in the Miami round-of-16. This would also secure her a maiden quarterfinal spot at the tournament. With her game on the rise and her determination unwavering, Zheng Qinwen is indeed a player to watch in the world of tennis.