First QF Match,
Svitolina (6) vs Zheng WC who just celebrated her 24th birthday yesterday, first meeting between these 2 players
A real contrast of styles with these 2 players
Zheng likes to play first strike tennis, is a flat heavy hitter of the ball, though she can also use spin, when 'on' she can hit winners from any part of the court, since having elbow surgery in 2025, taking time off the tour, it has taken Zheng awhile to find her level, she did make the QFs at the USO this year
Svitolina more of a defensive player, though can turn defense into offense, likes to change direction, can be a difficult player to defeat her return and defensive skills are one of the best in the WTA Top Ten and has had a very consistent year so far
Zheng has started well and hasnt let Svitolina in the match, and will serve for the 1st set 5-2
Zheng played a poor service game, her first all set and Svtolina finding good depth and broke
Zheng with the 2nd chance to serve out the 1st set no trouble winning 6-3
It has been on serve in the 2nd set, Svitolina has being making headways into Zheng's service game, with good depth on returns, absorbing the pace better, and also re directing
Svitolina breaks to love and will serve 4-3
Just like that Zheng resets and refocused and broke back
4 games all.
Wonderful cross court fhand winner from Zheng, just sails past Svitolina on court
Svitolina will now serve to try to force a TB for the 2nd set 5-6
TB for the 2nd set. Zheng to serve first.
Tight TB for the 2nd set, Zheng produced a great fh winner on her 2nd MP
Zheng WC d Svitolina 63 76(6) and of course the home town crowd are delighted, a well deserved win from Zheng, her first WTA1000 SF since Rome last year
Zheng will play the winner of Swaitek and Mertens in the SF.
