Zheng Qinwen powered into the quarterfinals of the US Open, shattering records and breaking through significant barriers. She defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekic, ranked 20th in the world, with a score of 2 sets to 1 in the round of 16. Zheng will face world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, marking a rematch of this year’s Australian Open final.
This win comes just a month after her triumph over Vekic in the finals of the Paris Olympics on August 3, 2024. Notably, their match concluded at 2:15 a.m. ET, setting a record for the latest finish in a women’s match at the US Open.
With a total of 48 aces across her four matches so far, Zheng has proven a formidable opponent. It’s worth noting that she showcased her impressive serve by hitting an astounding 20 aces in her second-round match against Erika Andreeva — surpassing Hall of Famer Serena Williams’ record of 18 aces set in 2016.
During the match, Zheng faced a racial slur directed at her, where a spectator shouted “yellow banana.” In response, Zheng demonstrated her determination to rise above such negativity, defiantly stating, “I’ll beat you.” She then showcased her skills, ending the match against Vekic with a smile and flying kisses to the crowd.
The hashtag “Zheng Qinwen fought back racism” (郑钦文遭种族歧视霸气回击) has since become the most popular trend on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Many users have addressed Zheng as “our queen,” lauding her courageous stand against discrimination and expressing pride in her resilience.
The powerful 21-year-old is also making history as only the second Chinese woman to reach the US Open quarter-finals, following the legendary Li Na, who accomplished this feat in 2009 and 2013 respectively.
A celebrated tennis star, the Henan province native’s performance at the US Open not only showcases her exceptional talent but also sheds light on ongoing challenges faced by athletes. As she competes for a spot in the semifinals, fans are eagerly anticipating whether Zheng can maintain her momentum following her victory at the Paris Olympics.
Banner image via Getty Images.
