Big-serving Qinwen Zheng blasted her way into the final four of the WTA Finals in Riyadh with victory over Jasmine Paolini.
It was a straight fight for second place in the Purple Group behind Aryna Sabalenka, with both Zheng and Paolini having lost to the world No 1 and beaten Elena Rybakina.
But the one-sided contest lasted only 67 minutes, with Chinese debutante Zheng racing to a 6-1 6-1 win.
“The more I played, my performances started to feel better and better on court. Even the first serve percentage, the groundstroke and the volley,” Zheng told Sky Sports Tennis.
“The Sabalenka made me think about what I had to do in my game so I put in the effort and now the results are working. I stayed focused on serve and made Paolini play.”
Paolini, runner-up at both French Open and Wimbledon this summer, was unable to cope with the power of her opponent, who hit 27 winners, including 11 aces.
‘Zheng has played her way into form’
Tim Henman on Sky Sports Tennis
“That was an absolute masterclass. From start to finish it was complete domination,” said the four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist.
“The first serve was so aggressive. Hitting her spots, a lot of aces. I mean she’s hit the most aces on Tour and it’s a huge weapon.
“Zheng is crushing forehand and backhands on either wing. She’ll take huge confidence going forward. She’s played her way into form.”
Zheng will now take on the winner of the Orange Group in the semi-finals on Friday.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9 – Cameron Norrie in action)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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