Three sets of intense play determined the winner – Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng defeated Jelena Rybakina in a WTA Finals match, winning 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Both players started the tournament with losses, making this a key match for survival in the Purple Group.
A Battle of Nerves in the First Set
The opening set was a rollercoaster, with both Zheng and Rybakina battling for control. Zheng initially took the lead by breaking Rybakina to go up 3-1, but Rybakina responded with a break of her own, leveling the score at 4-4. The set ultimately went to a tiebreak, where Zheng emerged victorious with a 7-4 win despite more double faults and a lower first-serve percentage.
Rybakina Strikes Back in the Second Set
Rybakina gained momentum in the second set, reversing her fortunes after an early break to Zheng. She tied the set at 3-3, and from that point, took full control, clinching the set 6-3. Rybakina’s consistency shone through, with five aces, no double faults, and fewer unforced errors than her opponent.
A Strong Finish from Zheng
Despite the setback, Zheng returned for the third set determined. After a lengthy first game to hold her serve, she took control by breaking Rybakina in the fourth game and pushing her lead to 4-1. A prolonged sixth game with four break points finally ended in Zheng’s favor, allowing her to close out the match confidently at 6-1.
With this hard-earned victory, Zheng stays in contention for the WTA Finals semi-finals, setting the stage for more gripping matchups in the Purple Group.
