Preview China Open 2024 Women’s Quarterfinal: Muchova-Sabalenka and Andreeva-Zheng Qinwen in fight for semi-final spots
WTA
The
quarterfinals of the China Open will be decided on Friday, October 4, with
Aryna Sabalenka facing Karolina Muchova and local star Zheng Qinwen taking on
Mirra Andreeva.
With a significant number of points up for grabs at the
season's end, a victory seems crucial for Sabalenka's pursuit of the World No.
1 ranking, or in the case of Zheng, her attempt to secure a spot in the WTA
Finals. The winners on Friday will join Paula Badosa and Coco Gauff, who were
the first semifinalists confirmed on Thursday.
Karolina Muchova’s hot streak faces ultimate test against Aryna Sabalenka
Muchova
continues her winning path since her comeback, boasting a record of 16-4 (80%)
in just five tournaments. The Czech player has once again displayed her talent
in recent months after being sidelined for nine months, reaching the semifinals
at the US Open and the final at the Palermo Open, while quickly returning to
the top 50.
Read also
Her
performances last week in Beijing have once again demonstrated that when she’s
in form, she’s one of the most dangerous players on the Tour. In her four
victories at the China Open, Muchova has dropped just 12 games, averaging (3.0)
per match on her way to the quarterfinals, the best performance by any player
since La Ni in 2010 with the same record.
The
28-year-old will face Sabalenka for the fourth time, leading the head-to-head
2-1, including wins in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open and Roland Garros
in 2023. The Belarusian, however, arrives full of confidence, enjoying her
best-ever streak of 15 consecutive wins between Ostrava 2020 and Abu Dhabi
2021.
The first
seed has managed in recent months to narrow the gap between herself and Iga
Swiatek in the race for World No. 1, with fewer than 200 points separating them
in the WTA Race. A win against Muchova will take her to 8,266 points this
season, just behind Swiatek (8,285), and it looks like a tight race until the
WTA Finals to see who will finish the year at the top of the rankings.
Karolina Muchova at 2024 US Open.
Youthful duel awaits as Zheng Qinwen battles Mirra Andreeva
The local
favorite is competing in the China Open for the first time and has lived up to
the public’s expectations. Zheng Qinwen has won 19 of her last 21 matches,
securing a title at the Palermo Open, winning a gold medal at the Olympic
Games, and reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open. In her latest match, the
Chinese player made a great comeback against Amanda Anisimova, overturning a
set deficit to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
At just 21
years old, Zheng rarely faces opponents younger than herself, but this time
she’ll go up against Mirra Andreeva, who is more than four years her junior.
The Russian teenager dominated Magda Linette (31st seed) in the Round of 16
(6-1, 6-3) and matched Maria Sharapova as the youngest player to reach the
China Open quarterfinals, at exactly the same age as her compatriot: 17 years
and 156 days.
This will
be an exciting match, especially for Zheng, who has been closing in on a WTA
Finals spot: “I find it a little bit challenging going into the Finals. Indeed,
I need good points from these two tournaments,” she mentioned upon her arrival
at the China Open.
Mirra Andreeva at 2024 French Open.
Starting the week in 8th place, over 500 points behind Emma
Navarro (7th) and the last to qualify for Riyadh, the early elimination of the
American player has revived Zheng's hopes. If she beats Andreeva, she’ll be
just over 100 points behind Navarro, while a potential final appearance would
put her in a qualifying position with only one tournament left before the
Finals.
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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