Zheng Qinwen secured a hard-fought victory over Maria Sakkari in her Charleston Open debut, winning 6-4, 6-1. The 22-year-old returned to clay courts on Wednesday in a tough challenge against the Greek player but dominated most of the match to claim a solid win.
For Zheng, this was her first clay-court match since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and she lived up to expectations, defeating a high-profile opponent despite Sakkari's current low ranking of No. 64. In the third round, Zheng will face the winner between Varvara Gracheva and Elise Mertens.
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Zheng withstands early pressure
Zheng (No. 8) was the first to have a break point right from the start, but Sakkari managed to escape an early scare. Both players had strong service numbers, with Sakkari landing 63% of her first serves and winning 67% of those points, while Zheng was even more impressive, with a 65% first-serve percentage and an astonishing 90% success rate on them.
The match remained tight until 3-3, when Zheng once again earned break points. After a grueling 16-point game, the Chinese star took the lead at 4-3. A double fault showed signs of tension on Zheng’s serve, but she held firm and closed the set on serve, 6-4.
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Zheng accelerates to the finish
Sakkari had been putting up a solid fight and started the second set with a focused hold. However, Zheng gradually took control of the rallies with consistent baseline play, while Sakkari's errors began to mount. A break in the third game set the tone for the set, as Zheng looked increasingly dominant.
Serving at 1-3, 40-0, Sakkari had a chance to stay in touch, but a series of unforced errors gifted Zheng another break. The Chinese player stepped on the gas and capitalized on her momentum, winning 13 of the last 17 points. Smiling toward her box, Zheng wrapped up the match after another Sakkari error, claiming a commanding 6-4, 6-1 victory, winning 10 of the last 12 games.
Match Statistics Zheng vs. Sakkari
| Zheng | VS | Sakkari |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 4 | Aces | 1 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 60% (32/53) | 1st Service Percentage | 56% (38/68) |
| 88% (28/32) | 1st Service Points Won | 61% (23/38) |
| 33% (7/21) | 2nd Service Points Won | 43% (12/28) |
| 100% (2/2) | Break Points Saved | 50% (4/8) |
| 100% (8/8) | Service Games | 56% (5/9) |
| Return | ||
| 39% (15/38) | 1st Return Points Won | 13% (4/32) |
| 57% (16/28) | 2nd Return Points Won | 67% (14/21) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 32m | Match Duration | 1h 32m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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