China’s Zheng shines, Dutch triumph in United Cup
George Clarke |
Rising star Zheng Qinwen is refusing to get carried away with herself after leading China to a 3-0 win over Czechia by toppling Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the United Cup.
The 21-year-old Zheng claimed a 6-1 2-6 6-1 victory at RAC Arena in Perth in the women’s singles before teaming up with compatriot Zhizhen Zhang to beat Vondrousova and Jiri Lehecka in the mixed doubles 6-1 6-2.
Zhang, 27, had clawed his way back to defeat Lehecka 5-7 6-3 6-4 earlier on Saturday in the men’s singles rubber.
But it was Zheng’s assured singles triumph which set China on their way to top spot in Group E that left her gracefully batting away questions about how far she could go in 2024.
Zheng is ranked world No.15 and has been touted as a potential star of the future and the scalp of Vondrousova will only add fuel to the fire.
“The first match of the year is always difficult so I’m so happy to win today,” Zheng said.
“It’s a normal match for me, I need to perform in my tennis and it doesn’t matter who I face, it’s about what I did.
“In 2023, people asked me (my goals) and I said I’m going to make the top 10.
“One year has passed, I’m still not there yet so I will keep that goal … let’s see if I can make it.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, the Netherlands proved too strong for a Norway side boasting three-time grand slam finalist Casper Ruud, with the Dutch claiming a 2-1 win in their maiden United Cup tie.
The weight of Norway’s hopes rested on Ruud’s shoulders after Malene Helgo lost 7-6 (6-4) 6-1 to Dutch veteran Arantxa Rus in the women’s singles clash at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena.
Ruud, runner-up at the 2023 French Open, got the Scandinavians back in the contest by dispatching of Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-4 in the men’s singles.
But he was unable to transfer his strong start into the mixed doubles alongside Ulrikke Eikeri, as Norway came unstuck against doubles experts Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof.
The Netherlands picked apart Ruud’s service game and moved atop Group F with a 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 victory.
“It’s our debut year (at the United Cup) and we enjoyed it,” Koolhof said.
“It was a pleasure playing with Demi, and she returned Casper’s serve pretty easily.
“It was an unbelievable day and it was great to get our first win.”
Later in Sydney, Germany meet Italy while women’s world No.1 Iga Swiatek leads Poland’s charge against Brazil in Perth.
AAP
