Sabalenka's Rome Run Ends; Zheng To Play Gauff In Next Round

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Post on May 16, 2025

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Sabalenka's Rome Stumble: Zheng Qinwen Sets Up Gauff Showdown in Italian Open

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, saw her Rome Open campaign come to a surprising end on Thursday, falling to China's Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set match. The defeat sets up a captivating quarter-final clash between Zheng and American teenager Coco Gauff, promising a compelling display of power and precision.

The match, played under the Roman sun at the Foro Italico, was a rollercoaster of powerful serves, deft drop shots, and unwavering determination. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline game, struggled to consistently find her rhythm against Zheng's varied and unpredictable style. The young Chinese star, currently ranked 26th in the world, displayed remarkable maturity and composure, weathering Sabalenka's fierce attacks and capitalizing on crucial moments.

<h3>A Battle of Styles: Sabalenka vs. Zheng</h3>

The contrast in playing styles made for a captivating spectacle. Sabalenka's booming serves and ferocious groundstrokes were met with Zheng's clever court coverage, deft touch at the net, and surprising drop shots that regularly caught Sabalenka off guard. While Sabalenka's power often overwhelmed opponents, Zheng’s tactical flexibility proved the difference maker in this encounter.

The first set saw Sabalenka take an early lead, showcasing her dominance with several aces and powerful winners. However, Zheng, far from intimidated, fought back relentlessly, showcasing impressive resilience and a willingness to engage in long, grueling rallies. She eventually secured the set with a crucial break in the final game.

<h3>Zheng's Resilience Seals the Victory</h3>

The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players trading blows. Sabalenka, showing her fighting spirit, managed to level the match, forcing a decisive third set. The final set was a true testament to Zheng's mental fortitude. Facing pressure from the two-time Grand Slam champion, Zheng remained calm and composed, consistently finding ways to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm and capitalize on her errors. Ultimately, Zheng's consistent performance and smart shot selection proved too much for Sabalenka, leading to a hard-fought victory.

• Key Moments: Zheng's crucial break points in the first and third sets were pivotal in securing her win.
• Sabalenka's Struggles: Sabalenka's uncharacteristic error count played a significant role in her defeat.
• Zheng's Tactical Mastery: Zheng's ability to adapt her game and exploit Sabalenka's weaknesses was instrumental in her victory.

<h3>Gauff Awaits: A Quarter-Final Clash of Titans</h3>

Zheng's victory sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final matchup against Coco Gauff, another rising star with a potent all-court game. Gauff, who easily dispatched her opponent in the previous round, will present a different, yet equally challenging, opponent for Zheng. The match promises to be a fascinating encounter between two players with contrasting styles, but both possessing exceptional talent and determination. This clash will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Rome Open.

The Italian Open continues to deliver thrilling upsets and captivating matches, with the upcoming Gauff-Zheng showdown adding yet another layer of excitement to this prestigious tournament. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this compelling encounter between two of the WTA's brightest stars. The question remains: Can Zheng continue her impressive run, or will Gauff’s power and precision prevail? Only time will tell.