At the WTA Finals held on November 4, 2024, Qinwen Zheng achieved her first victory at the prestigious year-end tournament by besting Lithuanian star Elena Rybakina. Their match unfolded over the course of two hours and 24 minutes, culminating in Zheng's triumph with set scores of 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-1. While both players entered the clash with fresh wounds from their previous losses, the high stakes amplified the intensity of their encounter.
The match was initially characterized by fierce competition, with Zheng claiming the first set after securing the tiebreaker. Rybakina, who had struggled with consistency throughout her previous match, rallied back to take the second set, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and formidable serve. Unfortunately for Rybakina, her resurgence couldn't carry her through the final set, where Zheng found her rhythm and exploited advantageous positions on the court.
Zheng, currently ranked seventh globally, delivered six aces and maintained a solid 80% win rate on her first service points. These statistics underscored her commanding performance, effectively neutralizing Rybakina's strengths. This match not only marked her first win against Rybakina, but also reinforced Zheng's rising profile on the global tennis stage after her impressive season.
Following her victory, Zheng stated, "I’m really happy to win this match. I never beat her before. She’s one of the greatest players on the tour right now. She has a huge serve and great groundstrokes. I’m just happy today I gave my best." Her anticipation now turns toward her next match against Jasmine Paolini, which promises to be equally competitive.
Rybakina, who entered the Finals as the fifth seed, faces the potential of elimination following this defeat—particularly if Aryna Sabalenka, the number one seed, stands strong against Paolini later. The Kazakhstani player acknowledged her struggles, reflecting on the difficulties encountered during the match. "Today was tough. I had some opportunities and chances in the first set. I had a lot of break points but didn’t convert them," she remarked.
The match intensity highlighted the unique challenges the WTA Finals present, where players must navigate not just their opponents but also the pressure of potential elimination. With Zheng advancing, the competition tightens, and her potential for going deep in the tournament looks brighter.
Looking at the semifinals scenario, Zheng's outstanding performance could lead to her pushing through the group stages, depending on the outcomes of Sabalenka and Paolini's matches. This situation exemplifies the unpredictable nature of tournament tennis, particularly at this elite level where rankings do not always dictate performance.
While Zheng celebrated, Rybakina must regroup and refocus as she prepares for her next encounter. Like Zheng, she too had begun the tournament with high expectations—her earlier losses now warrant significant introspection. With both players showcasing their resilience throughout the match, fans remain eager for their upcoming performances.
Overall, the WTA Finals have once more delivered thrilling moments, elevated competition, and another chapter of excitement at the Riyadh venue, setting promising narratives to follow as the tournament progresses.
