Zheng Qinwen stuns World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to reach Rome semi-finals

Zheng Qinwen delivered a spectacular performance at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia (IBI25), stunning the current World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets — 6-4, 6-3 — to advance to the semi-finals of the prestigious WTA 1000 event in Rome.

Zheng broke through a frustrating six-match losing streak against the Belarusian star, sealing her first-ever win over Sabalenka in their seventh encounter. Her dominant play, marked by precise serving, aggressive returns, and relentless court coverage, has positioned her as a serious Roland-Garros contender just weeks before the Paris Grand Slam begins.

Zheng’s tactical poise was evident from the first point. She matched Sabalenka’s power with fearless baseline play and capitalized on key moments, breaking serve at critical junctures in both sets. The opening set saw Zheng snatch the lead with a late break, closing it out 6-4. She then raced ahead in the second, securing an early break and holding her nerve to wrap up the match 6-3.

With this landmark victory, the 21-year-old not only reaches her first Rome semi-final but also eliminates the tournament’s top seed and reigning World No.1 — a psychological boost heading into the clay season’s crown jewel, Roland Garros.

Her reward? A semi-final clash with Coco Gauff, in what promises to be a blockbuster battle between two rising superstars of the women’s game. Gauff, fresh off a commanding quarter-final win, stands as another formidable hurdle, but Zheng’s current form signals she is more than ready.

Zheng’s breakthrough win also adds further intrigue to the WTA landscape, where emerging stars are challenging the dominance of the tour’s elite. Her victory over Sabalenka serves not only as a personal milestone but also a message to the field — Zheng Qinwen is peaking at the perfect time.

Quick Match Stats:

• Match Result: Zheng Qinwen def. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3
• Aces: Zheng (6), Sabalenka (5)
• Break Points Converted: Zheng (3/5), Sabalenka (1/4)
• Winners: Zheng (28), Sabalenka (23)
• Unforced Errors: Zheng (14), Sabalenka (27)

Zheng now turns her focus to her semi-final showdown with Coco Gauff, with both players eyeing a shot at their maiden Rome title and much-needed momentum ahead of the 2025 French Open.

As the clay season reaches its climax, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely — can Zheng carry this electric form all the way to Grand Slam glory?

For more updates on the WTA Tour, Rome Masters 2025, and Roland Garros build-up, stay locked on Sportsligue.com — your go-to source for global sports coverage.

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