China's Zheng 'so excited' for Swiatek clash at French Open / Photo: © AFP
-
Nick Harkaway Expands John le Carré’s Spy Universe in 'The Taper Man'
-
Binance CFO Kaiser Ng Departs Amid Aftermath of $6.3 Billion Hack
-
Rene Eyre Revisits Autobiographical Performance 'Say A Little Prayer' in London
-
London Museum Granted 24/7 License Ahead of November Opening
-
UAE's HCT Holds Record Graduation and Announces Major Training Expansion
-
Dana White Confirms Flight to Washington for Trump Meeting on Press Secretary Role
-
NASA Awards $10B Lunar Contract Framework to SpaceX, Blue Origin
-
Dengue Fever Expands Into High Himalayas as Climate Change Warms Nepal
-
Katy Perry Tells Fans Ex-Husband Russell Brand 'Should Be in Jail' During UK Concert
-
IoT Refrigerator Hacks Disrupt Blood Labs and Supermarkets Across Europe and US
-
South African election results renew debate over identity-based voting
-
Post-election pressures complicate US and Israeli decisions on Iran
-
South African voters report smoother local election but declining IEC trust
-
UN members approve talks on treaty protocol against environmental crime
-
Dolly Parton museum and Nashville hotel open after singer’s death
-
Family-run West Sussex beach café prepares for first winter season
-
George and Amal Clooney attend New York political-comedy reading
-
CT scans reveal health and burial clues from Egypt’s Braided Lady mummy
-
British buyers pay substantial premiums for period-home appearance
-
Oxford faces complaints over lecturer’s classroom attire
-
Thomas Markle released to house arrest after child-abuse-image charge
-
Kyren Wilson and John Higgins reach International Championship snooker final
China's Zheng 'so excited' for Swiatek clash at French Open
Chinese 19-year-old Zheng Qinwen said she was eager for the chance to test herself against Iga Swiatek after setting up a last-16 meeting with the world number one and former Roland Garros champion.
Zheng, who shocked 2018 French Open winner Simona Halep in the previous round, advanced Saturday when Alize Cornet retired with a thigh injury while trailing 6-0, 3-0.
The 74th-ranked Zheng is making her debut in Paris, having appeared at her first Grand Slam in Australia this year.
She will attempt to end Swiatek's 31-match winning run stretching back to February. The Pole won the title in Paris as a teenager in 2020.
"Of course she's wonderful player. Actually, I have been prepared for this match, because I really want to play against her. So I'm excited for this match," said Zheng.
"It will be a tough match, for sure. I will give everything I have."
Zheng, who has trained in Spain for the past two years, was the only Chinese player to make it past the first round of the tournament.
"I always know that I have the level to do something," said the youngster who worked with Carlos Rodriguez, the former coach of Justine Henin and Li Na, at his academy in Beijing.
"I know what I can do and I have to be patient and to wait for the moment to come."
Zheng, inspired by Li's 2011 French Open triumph when she became the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles title, is trying not to look too far ahead.
"My expectation in the French Open is just go match by match and to give everything I have on court."
"To be in a Grand Slam is one of my childhood dreams... and I feel just I have to give my best always on the court," she added.
"I only feel excited to play on the big stadium."
C.Kovalenko--BTB
