Zheng Qinwen recovered from a “silly mistake” to start her Australian Open bid with a straight-set win on a rain-disrupted first day in Melbourne.
Chinese language fifth seed Zheng, overwhelmed by Aryna Sabalenka in final yr’s ultimate, received 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 towards Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni underneath the roof on Rod Laver Enviornment.
The Olympic gold medallist served for the opening set at 5-4 40-0, however couldn’t take any of her three set factors.
Todoni, 20, had by no means overwhelmed a top-50 opponent and had the prospect to maneuver midway to a shock win after creating three set factors on Zheng’s serve at 6-5.
However she couldn’t convert and Zheng, 22, held earlier than stepping up a gear within the tie-break.
The second set was extra easy as Zheng, backed as common by an enormous variety of Chinese language followers, broke early earlier than cruising by means of to victory.
“The primary set is at all times not simple, particularly as a result of I used to be doing silly errors – I do not know what occurred there,” she mentioned.
“However I’m pleased to get by means of.”
On expectations rising after successful the Olympic title, she added: “In fact there begins to be extra strain however [the fans] are pushing me to turn into a greater particular person and higher athlete.
“I prefer to play with strain. Like what Billie Jean King says – strain is a privilege. I like this sentence.
“Let’s maintain going and taking part in with strain.”
Whereas Zheng was in a position to full her match indoors, a heavy thunderstorm brought about play on the out of doors courts to be suspended till 17:00 native time (06:00 GMT).
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, 2025-01-12 05:04:00
