The Wuhan Open is racing towards its thrilling conclusion, and tennis fans couldn’t have asked for a more exciting final: Aryna Sabalenka versus Qinwen Zheng! Both players have been in sensational form, and the anticipation for this intense showdown is palpable. But just as the excitement builds, something rather unexpected has taken the spotlight. While much of the tennis town seems to be caught up in controversies surrounding the Chinese star Zheng, Sabalenka is catching the spotlight in her own way.

The Belarusian star outshined Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the tournament in straight sets 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. She depicted intense talent and skills and despite dropping the first set, she qualified for the finals in a dominant style. But what followed after the match was Zheng’s praise by Sabalenka which did not fail to surprise the tennis community.

Speaking in the post-match interview, Sabalenka said, “Thank you so much Qinwen on winning the Gold Medal.” The Chinese star outshined the likes of Emma Navarro, Iga Swiatek, and Donna Vekic to clinch the shiny gold at the Paris Olympics this year. Continuing further, Sabalenka revealed how it helped the sport to flourish in China. 

“I feel like Tennis in China is getting more popular and full crowd. That’s really enjoyable playing in front of you. I am really happy to be in the finals and it’s one more to go and I will give everything I have to win this beautiful trophy for the third time,” Sabalenka added. For the unversed, Sabalenka has never lost a match in Wuhan so far in her career and is on a 15-0 roll at the venue. She clinched the titles back to back in 2018 and 2019. But now, she will be facing the local star Zheng in the final who can pose a serious challenge to her. However, this did not stop the Belarusian from heaping praise on the star player. Interestingly, these remarks are quite opposite to the general belief about Zheng on the WTA circuit. 

Qinwen Zheng has engaged fiercely with her opponents in the past. One such example was witnessed at the Paris Olympics, where a visible tussle between her and Emma Navarro was witnessed by the community. Navarro did not shy away from taking digs at her. “I just told her I didn’t respect her as a competitor,” Navarro said after she lost to Zheng at the Olympics. “I think she goes about things in a pretty cut-throat way.” In fact, Sabalenka herself witnessed the infamous side of the Chinese player during the US Open this year. 

In a video uploaded on X, Zheng was seen giving the Belarusian giant a cold shoulder during their customary handshake after facing defeat. However, Sabalenka maintained her composure and proceeded to savor her triumph. And now, her latest take would definitely help in the formation of a new perspective around Zheng. But for now, the only thing that Sabalenka desires is to be a ‘mountain’ on Zheng’s way to victory. 

“Will continue working” Aryna Sabalenka expresses special desire against Qinwen Zheng

Aryna Sabalenka has been on a sensational run this year. She won two grand slams at the Australian Open and the US Open and also bagged the Cincinnati Masters title. And now, she is close to clinching yet another glory at the Wuhan Open. Amidst her remarkable run, there have been comparisons made between her and Zheng. 

The Belarusian tennis sensation engaged in an interaction with GLOBAlink during the Wuhan Open. When quizzed about her opinion on the fact that some of the Chinese fans consider her better than Zheng in many aspects, Sabalenka gave a humorous yet determined response. Speaking about that, the 26-year-old said, “It’s nice to hear that,” as she maintained a smile on her face. Continuing further, she expressed her desire to keep outshining Zheng. “It just means that I’m on the right way and I will continue working, to make sure she cannot overcome this mountain,” Sabalenka added. 

Sabalenka has faced Zheng thrice on the WTA circuit and has emerged victorious in all of the matches. As they face each other again, it would be on everyone’s mind to see if the Chinese star can overcome the string of her defeats against Aryna Sabalenka. Will Sabalenka win her third title in Wuhan? Well, only time will tell.