Even the strongest can lose: In an exciting semifinal match, China’s Qinwen Zheng shocked world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the Paris Olympics. The rising Polish tennis player lost her balance and broke down in tears on the court as her greatest chance passed her by. Zheng, on the other hand, turned her victory into a monument of pride in her country and resiliency on a personal level by expressing her patriotic resolve to fight for her country even though she must be exhausted.

On Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros, Zheng Qinwen defeated first seed Iga Swiatek with a forceful and memorable performance that lasted one hour and fifty-one minutes. The world No. 1 was left reeling from an unexpected setback as Zheng displayed her extraordinary talents and dedication at this legendary stadium, which has been the scene of many of Swiatek’s career-best moments. Remember, 4 of her 5 Grand Slams are French Opens.

After the victory, the 21-year-old talked about her victory; however, at the same time, she poured her heart out on handling a tough competition for her country. She stated, “I’m tired but tell me to play now other three hours for my country, I would do it.” 

In the first set, Swiatek broke Zheng at her first opportunity, but she soon made a series of unusual errors. Zheng took advantage of the momentum and won six straight games to seal the set as Swiatek committed 16 unintentional faults. After regrouping, the Pole won the first four games of the second set, but the mistakes continued.

Further, Zheng took advantage of another twenty unforced mistakes by breaking Swiatek three times in a row. With Swiatek’s comeback landing well on match point, Zheng fell to the ground in sheer joy. As the first tennis player from China to make it to the Olympic final and win a medal for her nation, she created history.

While the match lasted one hour and fifty-one minutes, the world number one was left hurt with her defeat, but now she will get a chance to get bronze for her country. However, at the same time, the Chinese tennis player also talked about her wish to win an Olympic medal for her country, just like her idol, Li Na.

Swiatek’s semi-final opponent wishes to bring a medal home 

Zheng Qinwen equaled Li Na’s incredible feat from the 2008 Beijing Games when she defeated three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber in an intense encounter to get to the women’s singles tennis semifinals. Zheng was able to reach that mark and go for a medal in Paris thanks to this victory.

In the post-match interview, Zheng reflected on the significance of her win: “I know what this game means for the Chinese team, and I have always wanted to win an Olympic medal for China. When I was trailing 4-1, I was inspired by the national flag and the support it represented. I’m thrilled to have won this match!”

Having triumphed over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, Zheng Qinwen has demonstrated her readiness to claim gold for her country. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the Chinese tennis player’s advanced to win a gold? Do let us know in the comment section below.