Zheng Qinwen Defeats Vekic In U.S. Open Quarterfinals

Donna Veki, of Croatia returns a shot to Zheng Qinwen, of China, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

In a thrilling late-night match at the U.S. Open, Zheng Qinwen secured a hard-fought victory over Donna Vekic to advance to the quarterfinals. The match, which lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes, ended at 2:15 a.m., marking the latest finish for a women's match in tournament history.

Zheng, seeded No. 7, faced a tough challenge from Vekic, who she had defeated in the Olympic final last month. Despite Vekic's strong performance, Zheng's resilience and determination ultimately led her to victory.

Having previously clinched China's first singles gold in tennis at the Olympics, Zheng showcased her versatility by adapting to the hard courts of the U.S. Open. Her impressive run at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she reached the final, demonstrated her prowess on different surfaces.

Zheng showcases resilience and adaptability on hard courts after Olympic success.

Zheng Qinwen defeats Donna Vekic in a 2-hour, 50-minute match at the U.S. Open.

Vekic, despite strong performance, falls short against Zheng's consistent play.

Zheng faces Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals with optimism and respect.

Reflecting on her victory, Zheng expressed pride in her ability to adjust to the change in surfaces and maintain her competitive edge. She acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from clay to hard courts, especially without the same level of practice as her competitors.

Next, Zheng is set to face Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, in the quarterfinals. Despite Sabalenka's previous victory over her, Zheng remains optimistic and eager for the upcoming match, emphasizing her respect for Sabalenka's skills on hard courts.

On the other hand, Vekic, seeded No. 24, missed an opportunity to progress further in the tournament after her impressive semifinal run at Wimbledon. Despite her strong performance in the second set, Vekic was unable to maintain her momentum against Zheng.

The match saw intense moments of frustration from Vekic, who displayed visible signs of disappointment after missed shots. Despite her efforts to rally back, Zheng's consistent play and strategic breaks ultimately secured her victory.

The late-night showdown between Zheng and Vekic captivated the sparse crowd that remained past 2 a.m., underscoring the intensity and drama of the match. The previous record for the latest finish in a women's match was broken, highlighting the tenacity and endurance of both players.

As Zheng prepares to face Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, tennis fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling encounter between two formidable competitors on the U.S. Open stage.

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