Zheng Qinwen overcame a shaky start in her Tokyo opener to secure a solid 7-5, 6-0 victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open. The match, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd eager to see how the top-seeded Zheng would perform, was a tale of two sets, with the Chinese star showing resilience in the first before completely dominating the second. The result sets the stage for an exciting quarterfinal showdown with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez.
### **A Stuttering Start but a Strong Finish in the First Set**
The 2024 Toray Pan Pacific Open marks Zheng’s latest stop in what has been a notable year for the rising Chinese player, who reached the final at the Australian Open earlier this season. After receiving a first-round bye, Zheng, ranked No. 7 in the world, took to the court in her opening match against the 57th-ranked Japanese wildcard, Moyuka Uchijima.
Despite her superior ranking and seeding, Zheng found herself in a bit of a struggle early on. She broke Uchijima’s serve in the third game, only to lose her own serve immediately after, allowing the Japanese player to level the score at 2-2. From that moment, the match became a tense battle, with neither player able to create any real openings. Uchijima managed to edge ahead 5-4, putting Zheng in a precarious position just one game away from losing the set.
However, when it mattered most, Zheng found her form. With her back against the wall, the top seed flipped a switch and stormed back, winning the next three games and clinching the set 7-5. During that stretch, Zheng dropped just two points, effectively closing the door on Uchijima’s hopes of an upset.
### **A Dominant Second Set: Zheng in Full Control**
The second set was a stark contrast to the first. Zheng came out firing, showcasing the kind of dominant tennis that has made her one of the most exciting players on the WTA Tour this year. Her powerful groundstrokes, precision, and aggressive baseline play left Uchijima with no answers. The Chinese star didn’t just win the second set—she bageled her opponent, completing a flawless 6-0 victory. Zheng finished the match with nine consecutive game wins, completely shutting down any resistance from the Japanese player.
The crowd, initially hopeful for a hometown upset, watched as Zheng raised her level to a gear that few can match on hard courts, particularly in the WTA 500 events. This win not only cemented her status as a favorite in Tokyo but also demonstrated that she is peaking at the right time, with the season nearing its climax.
### **Looking Ahead: Zheng Faces Fernandez in a High-Stakes Quarterfinal**
Zheng’s next challenge comes in the form of Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, a former US Open finalist who has shown a knack for rising to the occasion in big matches. Fernandez booked her spot in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought 6-0, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Varvara Gracheva. The two young stars are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Toray Pan Pacific Open.
Their quarterfinal meeting will mark the fourth time Zheng and Fernandez have clashed, with all previous encounters taking place on hard courts. Fernandez won their first two matches, but Zheng recently secured her first victory over the Canadian in Wuhan earlier this month. This latest win has given Zheng confidence heading into Tokyo.
Reflecting on her upcoming match and the physical demands of the tour, Zheng said, “After Wuhan, my physical and mental [condition] was really tired. But after almost a week off, I came back again, and I’m feeling more fresh. Also, my body, compared to Wuhan, is much better.” Her comments suggest that she is physically prepared to compete at the highest level, despite a grueling schedule.
### **Building Momentum for the WTA Finals**
The Tokyo tournament holds additional significance for Zheng, as the end of the season draws near and the WTA Finals loom on the horizon. With only a few spots remaining in the elite year-end tournament, Zheng’s performances in Tokyo could play a pivotal role in determining whether she secures a place among the world’s top eight players.
“The WTA Finals are really close,” Zheng acknowledged, emphasizing her desire to stay focused while balancing her health and performance. “First of all, I’m trying to keep the body healthy and then, talking about tennis, let’s see how it goes here.” Her commitment to maintaining both physical fitness and mental sharpness underscores the intense demands of the WTA tour, especially for a player still solidifying her place among the game’s elite.
### **A Career on the Rise**
Zheng’s steady ascent up the rankings and her high-profile results in 2024 have turned heads across the tennis world. Her runner-up finish at the Australian Open earlier this year was a breakthrough moment, showcasing her potential to challenge the best in the world. Since then, she has maintained a strong presence in top-tier tournaments, frequently reaching the later rounds and demonstrating consistency on different surfaces.
Her powerful game, characterized by aggressive shot-making and a formidable serve, makes her a dangerous opponent for anyone. The match against Fernandez will be another opportunity for Zheng to prove her mettle on the WTA stage and build momentum for what could be a deep run in the WTA Finals. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Zheng can continue her upward trajectory and establish herself as a consistent threat in the upper echelon of women’s tennis.
### **What to Expect in the Quarterfinals**
The upcoming match between Zheng and Fernandez is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated battles of the Tokyo tournament. Both players have showcased their potential in Grand Slam finals, and their contrasting styles make for an intriguing clash. While Fernandez is known for her tenacity, court coverage, and the ability to play with finesse, Zheng brings power, aggression, and a relentless baseline attack.
Their recent meeting in Wuhan, which Zheng won, will be fresh in both players’ minds. Zheng’s powerful performance there broke Fernandez’s winning streak against her, and she will look to replicate that success in Tokyo. However, Fernandez’s strong showing against Gracheva—highlighted by her ability to dig deep in the final set—suggests that she’s ready to mount a serious challenge.
The stakes are high as both players aim not only for a semifinal berth in Tokyo but also for a strong finish to the season. A victory for Zheng would boost her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals, while Fernandez will be looking to gain momentum and make a statement against one of the tour’s rising stars. As they step onto the court, all eyes will be on this captivating duel, with the outcome potentially setting the tone for both players as they head toward the season’s conclusion.
With a mix of youth, talent, and determination, Zheng Qinwen and Leylah Fernandez represent the future of women’s tennis, and their match in Tokyo is poised to be another thrilling chapter in their developing rivalry. Fans will be eager to see which of these young talents will take another step forward in the quest for WTA glory.