Qinwen Zheng has captured the tennis world’s attention with her electrifying performance at the French Open 2025. The 22-year-old Chinese star, ranked world No. 7, has stormed into the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, marking her first-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament. Fresh off her Olympic gold medal win in Paris last summer, Zheng is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with on clay. Her latest victory, a hard-fought three-set battle against Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, has set up a thrilling quarter-final clash against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to see if Zheng can continue her remarkable run.
Qinwen Zheng’s Road to the Quarter-Finals
Zheng’s journey to the French Open 2025 quarter-finals has been nothing short of inspiring. She kicked off the tournament with a commanding straight-sets win over 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, showcasing her composure and power. In the second round, she dispatched Colombia’s Emiliana Arango with ease, breaking her opponent three times in the opening set alone. The third round saw her dominate Victoria Mboko, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Her fourth-round match against Samsonova was a true test of grit. After winning the first set in a tiebreak, Zheng dropped the second but rallied in the decisive third set, clinching a 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-3 win. This victory extended her unbeaten streak on Parisian clay to 10 matches, a testament to her growing confidence.
A Rivalry Renewed: Qinwen Zheng vs. Aryna Sabalenka
The quarter-final matchup between Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka promises to be a blockbuster. The two have faced off seven times, with Sabalenka leading 6-1. However, Zheng’s lone victory came recently at the Italian Open, where she defeated the world No. 1 in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. This win on clay gives Zheng a psychological edge heading into their clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Sabalenka, fresh off a dominant performance against Amanda Anisimova, boasts a 38-6 record this season. Yet, Zheng’s relentless energy and improved baseline game make her a formidable challenger. The match, scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST, is expected to draw a massive global audience.
Key Stats and Highlights
Zheng’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by an arm injury and coaching changes, but she’s found her rhythm in Paris. Here’s a quick look at her standout stats:
- Win-Loss Record: 121-65 career record, with a strong 2024 season including titles in Tokyo and Palermo.
- French Open Performance: First quarter-final appearance at Roland Garros, with a 10-match win streak on Parisian clay.
- Head-to-Head vs. Sabalenka: 1-6, with her sole win on clay in 2025.
Her ability to stay composed under pressure, as seen in her tiebreak win against Samsonova, highlights her mental toughness. Zheng’s powerful forehand and aggressive playstyle have been key to her success on the slow, demanding clay courts.
Why Zheng’s Run Matters
Qinwen Zheng’s emergence as a top contender at the French Open 2025 is a big deal for Chinese tennis. As the first Asian player to win an Olympic singles gold medal, she’s inspiring a new generation of players. Her emotional post-match reaction after beating Samsonova—collapsing in relief and joy—showed how much this milestone means. Zheng thrives in front of big crowds, drawing energy from the Roland Garros fans. Her dream of reaching the quarter-finals, unfulfilled in 2023 and 2024, has now come true, and she’s hungry for more. A win over Sabalenka could propel her into the semi-finals, a historic achievement for the young star.
What to Expect in the Quarter-Final
The Sabalenka-Zheng showdown is a clash of power and precision. Sabalenka’s aggressive serve and relentless groundstrokes will test Zheng’s defensive skills. However, Zheng’s recent clay-court form and ability to outlast opponents in long rallies could give her an edge. The match’s outcome may hinge on Zheng’s ability to replicate her Italian Open performance, where she outmaneuvered Sabalenka with pinpoint accuracy. Fans in India can catch the action live on SonyLIV or FanCode, with televised coverage on Sony Sports Network. For global viewers, TNT, truTV, and Max in the U.S., and TNT Sports in the U.K., will broadcast the match live.
Don’t miss this epic quarter-final! Tune in to watch Qinwen Zheng take on Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros on June 3, 2025, and cheer for her to make history. Share your predictions and join the conversation on social media to show your support for this rising star!
