Sabalenka weathers Zheng storm to reach semifinal

Agency:

World number one Aryna Sabalenka recovered from a slow start to systematically dismantle Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory on Tuesday that sent her into the French Open semifinal.

Sabalenka suffered her first loss to Zheng in seven career meetings in the Rome quarterfinals last month, and she went behind early in the opening set at a half-full Court Philippe Chatrier.

“It was a true battle, and I had no idea how I could break her back and get back into the first set. I didn’t start well, and I’m glad I found my rhythm and won,” said Sabalenka, who took a step closer to her maiden French Open title.

“I think we’re all here for one reason. Everyone wants that beautiful trophy. I’m glad I have another opportunity, another semi-final to do better than last time. I really hope that by the end of the claycourt season I’m really proud of myself,” she added.

China’s Zheng, bidding to emulate compatriot Li Na’s 2011 triumph at Roland Garros, crushed a powerful forehand winner to break for a 2-1 lead, but Sabalenka moved through the gears to level five games later and was denied on set point while up 6-5.

The 27-year-old top seed shrugged off the disappointment to glide through the tiebreak when errors crept into eighth seed Zheng’s game before the players swapped breaks in a high-octane second set.